Lacking strategy: report cites “damaging shortfalls” and “harmful shortcomings”

The Canadian government’s independent review of its role within the international mission to Afghanistan has levelled blistering criticism at both the senior command of the US-led military campaign, and the Western-supported Karzai government.

“Corruption is widespread,” the Manley report says of the Kabul regime, and is “characterized by cronyism, bribery and a variety of shakedown enterprises managed by government officials.”

The findings of the five-member panel stand in stark contrast to the Canadian government’s depiction of the Karzai administration. Prime Minister Stephen Harper consistently praises the Afghan leader, and senior diplomats at the Canadian Embassy in Kabul discourage candid news coverage of the regime by Canadian journalists. Even the leaders of Canada’s opposition Liberal party seek out photo opportunities with Karzai.

The review panel recommends a “rebalancing” of the Harper government’s communications with Canadians about the country’s military and aid missions, stating: “The Government must engage Canadians in a continuous, frank and constructive dialogue…”

The Manley panel’s central finding is that the Canadian Forces should remain engaged in Afghanistan, even extending the combat mission in Kandahar province – provided other NATO countries come forward to share the burden.

This recommendation honours the valour and determination displayed on the ground by Canadian troops, who have achieved results in spite of a lack of commensurate effort by Canada’s politicians and diplomats.

The report echoes the central themes of skyreporter’s film stories and articles, commencing in March 2007. At the Manley panel’s invitation, this correspondent gave evidence to the panel in November, and is cited among the review’s Domain and Subject Matter Experts.

The report’s highlights:

Corruption “must be rooted out” in the Karzai regime, because it is “undermining not only the hope for an Afghan solution but also support for the Western forces sacrificing their lives…”

Pakistan’s role is emphasized with the statement: “Taliban commanders who are responsible for the violence in Afghanistan are directing it primarily from sanctuaries in Pakistan.” This factor has been consistently ducked by President Bush, Prime Minister Harper and other Western leaders.

Overall NATO/ISAF command and control suffers “damaging shortfalls,” notably an “insufficientcy of forces in the field,” a “top heavy command structure,” which displays “an absence of a comprehensive strategy…”

Canada must commit to “a more coherent diplomatic engagement in the international partnership working for Afghanistan’s security,” and a “more consistent Canadian policy approach should be led by the Prime Minister.”

The full report is online at:

http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/obj/013003/f2/013003-1000-e.pdf