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02/02/2004: "Kandahar Chronicles #64 - 30/01/2004"

The news from Kabul is worrying. Consecutive attacks on the NATO led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) by suicide bombers, as well as Taliban threats for more attacks in Kabul and Kandahar, has brought another sinister element to the conflict in Afghanistan. The use of suicide bombers is more associated with the war in Iraq, Israel/Palestine and Chechnya, among others. The Taliban have traditionally liked to live to fight another day. This latest trend seems to indicate a tactic favoured more by Al Qaeda, who are closely intertwined with the Taliban. Members of the military, the International aid community and millions of Afghans now wonder if this is the start of the anticipated spring offensive. The risk of being targeted, or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time increases again. No matter how much distance we give the Coalition forces or how strongly we maintain neutrality and impartiality, we realize that it is again time to reassess our movements.

Canadian soldiers make up the second largest contingent of 5500 strong peacekeeping force. Some 1900 Canadian troops based outside Kabul constitute the country’s biggest contribution to Bush’s “War on Terror.” They are committed to stay at least until August and are supported by Ottawa’s 250 million dollar aid package to Afghanistan. Such a large Canadian presence was agreed upon partly to soothe US hawks when Canada refused the invitation to the war in Iraq. With three soldiers killed and at least twice that number injured in the last five months, Canadian and other ISAF peacekeepers know they have a very tough, complex job to do. Kabul is covered in snow that further compounds the difficulties in locating mines or other Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). ISAF regulations have been distributed to the population warning them to stay clear of patrols and not to overtake ISAF vehicles. They are locked into a cat and mouse war with Taliban forces, and with the Coalition leaking news of their own “Spring Offensive”, and Bush’s wish to see the Bin Laden / Mullah Omar issue solved before his run for re-election in November, things could get tougher yet on these troops.