Courtesy of Finbarr O'Reilly/Reuters

In an interview with David Akin of Canwest New Service, published Tuesday,Stephen Harper made it abundantly clear that the more than 2,500 Canadian troops will be coming home in 2011. ”We will not be undertaking any kind of activity that requires a significant military force protection, so it will become a strictly civilian mission.”  Controversy arose as Conservatives spoke of  the troop withdrawal being followed by a humanitarian effort led by civilians – an idea that skeptics saw as a guise for maintaining Canadian military boots on the ground. Any humanitarian effort would naturally require security and that may require a military presence. With the above statement, Harper effectively solidifies the withdrawal date.

Consider the implications of having a clear-cut withdrawal date for the troops that are currently in Afghanistan. What does this mean for the remainder of the mission, and future security risks?  Does the worry that the Taliban can simply bide time until the withdrawal, then resume violence hold any weight?

To read the full accompanying article, please visit the Globe and Mail at: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/bureau-blog/pm-unequivocal-on-afghanistan-withdrawal/article1422217/