[R-G] Manley's report wrong

[Anthony Fenton]

Manley's report wrong

The StarPhoenix

Friday, February 08, 2008

With pro-U.S. and pro-military reputations behind them, it was hardly  
expected that the John Manley panel members would examine the Afghan  
war in any depth.

A reminder. The U.S. invaded Afghanistan after twisting NATO's arm.  
Whether for a pipeline or for Osama bin Laden, it was certainly not  
for women's rights. I recall President George Bush's comment about  
bombing Afghanistan "back to the stone age." I remember the lack of  
concern for civilian deaths and of Canadian troops being bombed.

Yet we remain in Afghanistan and Manley says there should be no end  
in sight. His report is based on the premise that a military solution  
exists that will lead to a political solution. However, there is no  
military solution to guerrilla warfare.

The U.S. learned that in Vietnam and is re-learning it today. Any  
solution must lie in diplomacy, of which the Manley report has none.

The war is not making friends. Afghans are deeply divided about  
whether there is any security happening. The truly unique role that  
Canada can play is to withdraw from the military-driven approach  
being promoted by Manley and NATO generals.

With corruption and cultural loyalties rampant, Afghans cannot be  
deserted. But increasing the military presence is not going to "bring  
democracy." We are spending billions and risking the lives and health  
of our youth to kill people whom they've never met.

We need new thinking, new actors and a new script in Afghanistan; the  
money needs to be re-directed to building a civil society, with  
Canadians providing the expertise to teach, train and promote healthy  
governance systems for government, schools, hospitals, etc.

The military industrial complex is the only winner in this fiasco.  
Let's quit supporting it and start supporting Afghan people.

Dale Dewar

Member, Physicians for Global Survival