If you read your Examiner’s article entitled: The courage and contribution of the Canadian Armed Forces (See: http://www.examiner.com/military-children-in-toronto/the-courage-and-contribution-of-the-canadian-armed-forces), you’ve already learned it was only recently that Canada actually had an embassy in Afghanistan:
“Bear in mind, also, our former involvements, years earlier in the 80’s and 90’s came at the most dangerous times, also. In fact, ‘There weren’t a lot of people who went into Afghanistan, pre-9/11, since most countries like Canada didn’t have embassies in Kabul,’”– Canada in Afghanistan the war so far – Peter Pigott.
Actually, it wasn’t until 2003, two years post 9 11 that Canada actually had an embassy in Kabul. To that point, as Pigott’s quote discloses Canada had been on Taliban “turf” embassy-free since the 80’s. A rather dangerous but brave proposition.
So, when did Canada initially establish its’ Embassy for Canadian Citizens and whom was Canada’s first Ambassador to Afghanistan?
Pigott enlightens us further:
“Career diplomat Christopher Alexander was appointed Canada’s first ambassador [sic] to Afghanistan on July 3, 2003.” What were Alexander’s credentials and qualifications? Alexander “. . . had joined the Canadian Foreign Service in 1991 and served in Moscow from 1993 to 1996.” Pigott further pinpoints the actual date of the opening of the Canadian Embassy:
“The Canadian embassy was opened on Friday, September 5, by Bill Graham, the foreign minister, who said ‘A firm diplomatic presence is important in enabling us to work closely with our Afghan partners . . . and to ensure that the country doesn’t again become a haven for terror.” It is with great Canadian pride that your Examiner will always remember the anniversary date of her country’s embassy’s opening in Afghanistan after so many years of being “homeless”. Recall, also, the notation in The courage and contribution of the Canadian Armed Forces, how Canada rose, valorously, to the occasion of the United States’ mission against terrorism. In fact, Canada stepped right up to the plate and on October 7th, 2001, 48 hour deployment notice(s) were issued to Canadian soldiers. Another fact of which Canadian citizens can be very proud.
Canada’s initial experience with its Embassy was an arduous one, as well. In fact, “Of the many postings considered ‘hardship’ for Foreign Affairs staff, the embassy at Kabul was the most difficult.” How and why so? “The recreational amenities locally available were limited” or had been depleted. By way of example “The [previously built] Olympic pool had been drained by the Taliban, not only for puritanical reasons but because its high diving board was used to push captives off.” Trips outside the walls of the Embassy also paled by comparison to let’s say the British policy about away leaves: “When attending a social event outside the compound’s walls required an escort of Canadian Military Police, [and] when an escape from Kabul meant flying to Dubai or Islamabad for four days (knowing that colleagues at the British embassy had the ‘six weeks in, two weeks out’ option to go to London or anywhere else), . . . the feeling of being ‘hemmed in’ was inevitable.” [Emphasis Added].
Canada also had to deal with an environmental playground littered with abandoned armoury: “As relative newcomers to Afghanistan, Canadians were struck by one of the most obvious shortcomings of the situation: there were hundreds of old Soviet tanks, artillery systems, and other heavy weapons”, all left behind. The frightening part of the abandoned military machinery was that “They were literally garrisons loyal to factions, often determined by ethnic affiliation, led by commanders who were in one way or another loyal to the warlords,” a Canadian at the embassy disseminates. Concerned about the scenario Canadian Diplomats spoke up: “shouldn’t some sort of cantonment take place?” Concerns resounded from friends and allies, however, . . . “who have been here longer than we had. They thought ‘it might be a little ambitious for the time being,’ and ‘not sure if the traffic can bear it,’ or it ‘might be destabilizing,’ and ‘these people are attached to their weapons.’” Finally, however, by the end of 2003, movement of the abandoned weaponry had begun. The refreshing symbolism of the event was the notion and concrete reality that “It helped to put flesh onto the bone of this idea of demilitarization – that people could and should be asked to disarm after 25 years of war. And that by shrinking the space occupied by military forces . . . you could rebalance power inside the country and give the economy, social sectors, civilian sectors of life a shot in the arm.” A collective belief system, the crux of the Canadian philosophy, was the attribute that gave rise to the change in environment. For those of you, unaware, Canada has a longstanding history as a peacemaker and peacekeeper and it is a country with hope of, and for, world peace. Your Examiner strongly believes her sparsely populated, but brave country puts forth only its best efforts to see that that standard is followed.
Regarding Your Examiner: Corinne writes, also, as the Toronto Mental Health Examiner and formerly as the National Divorce Support Examiner. See Corinne’s columns on Google, or follow Corinne via Twitter.
Article © of Corinne Isaacs-Frontiero, 2011. All Rights Reserved.
