Taliban success a matter of 'luck'
Published Friday September 5th, 2008
BANFF, Alta. - The Taliban's recent successes against NATO troops in Afghanistan are more likely a matter of "luck" than a fresh influx of support and weapons from outside the war-torn country, Canada's top soldier said yesterday.
Three Canadian soldiers died early Wednesday in a "sophisticated" attack on their patrol west of Kandahar. Cpl. Andrew Grenon, Cpl. Mike Seggie and Pte. Chad Horn were all members of the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry based in Shilo, Man. Five others were injured.
Last month 10 French soldiers were killed in a single Taliban ambush outside Kabul, while nine U.S. soldiers lost their lives after an attack in the northeastern Kunar province. More than 190 international soldiers have died in Afghanistan this year which could surpass the record 222 international troop deaths in 2007.
There's no doubt that the number of attacks are increasing, Gen. Walter Natynczyk, chief of defence staff, said. But he doesn't believe there are outside influences at work.
"From these events that we've seen here we do not see any kind of armaments which are different than what has been buried in the ground in Afghanistan for a while," said Natynczyk as he prepared to leave the Conference of Defence Ministers of the Americas in Banff, Alta.
"In this case here they were perhaps lucky."
Natynczyk said there have been countless failed attempts by the Taliban to attack NATO forces but it is the successes that draw attention.
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The figure of 100 deaths of Canadian soldiers may open discussion in this election, by average Canadians. The attempts by Defense Minister Mckay to sell the mission sounds more like the American spin on Iraq a few years ago.
Canadians basically support the troops, but not results, with possible increase of deaths with Canadian soldiers holding up more than their share. Our soldiers are brave, doing their best, but they needed more support from other NATO forces. The amount of NATO troops is not enough and our soldiers are paying the price.
We honor them, respect them and this is why I am asking questions and making my views known.
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
JOSEPH BONNEVIE MONCTON NB