Ancient history in Afghanistan

Here are two articles from CTV.

Notice that the date is Oct. 2001. The mission was to last six months but of course was extended and extended and extended. Note too that the fancy named mission Apollo--bringing light and healing to Afghans no doubt--was directly related to the U.S. Operation Enduring Freedom and was a result of U.S. requests for troops. Note that it is the Liberals who started us out in Afghanistan and they are now keeping us there.

Chretien: Cdn troops 'will do Canada proud'
Updated Sun. Oct. 7 2001 4:32 PM ET


Prime Minister Jean Chretien has ordered the military on full alert and offered the United States "certain commitments" following the U.S.-led strikes against Afghanistan Sunday. The following is a transcript of his televised speech to Canadians:

On Sept. 11, 2001, Canada and the world looked on in shock and disbelief as the deadliest terrorist attack in history was carried out against thousands of defenceless victims in New York and Washington.

This was an act of premeditated murder on a massive scale with no possible justification or explanation -- an attack not just on our closest friend and partner, the United States, but against the values and the way of life of all free and civilized people around the world.

From the moment of the attack, I have been in close communication with President George Bush who has been a symbol to the world of calm, courage, resolve and wisdom. I told him that Canada stands shoulder to shoulder with him and the American people. We are part of an unprecedented coalition of nations that has come together to fight the threat of terrorism. A coalition that will act on a broad front that includes military humanitarian, diplomatic, financial, legislative and domestic security initiatives.

I have made it clear from the very beginning that Canada would be part of this coalition every step of the way.

On Friday evening, the United States asked Canada to make certain contributions as part of an international military coalition against international terrorism.

I immediately instructed our minister of national defence to agree. Yesterday, I met with the chief of the national defence staff to confirm the type of role that Canada was being asked to play. And shortly before noon today, I confirmed to President Bush in a telephone conversation that we would provide the military support requested.

Just after noon, I instructed the chief of defence staff to issue a warning order to a number of units of our Armed Forces to ensure their readiness.

All Canadians understand what is being asked of the men and women of our Armed Forces and their families. As always, they are ready to serve. As always, they will do Canada proud. I have spoken as well to the leaders of opposition parties. They pledged their co-operation and I thank them for it.

While I obviously will not be able to provide the Canadian people with operational information that could endanger lives, I intend to offer regular updates on our objectives and efforts. I will meet with my cabinet this week and a take-note debate will be held in Parliament on Monday of next week.

We will also be introducing a series of programs and legislative steps to deal with the threat of terrorism.

I would like to thank all the Canadians who have worked around the clock to come to the aid of our American friends in their time of need. I have made clear in the days since Sept. 11 that the struggle to defeat the forces of terrorism will be a long one. We must remain strong and vigilant. We must insist on living on our terms, according to our values not on terms dictated from the shadows.

I cannot promise that the campaign against terrorism will be painless, but I can promise that it will be won.

Thank you.

and also from CTV.

Canada pledges 2,000 troops to U.S.-led campaign
Updated Tue. Oct. 9 2001 8:59 AM ET

CTV News Staff

Defence Minister Art Eggleton said Monday that Canada is sending warships, planes, and special forces troops to join in the U.S.-led anti-terrorism campaign in Afghanistan. The mission is dubbed Operation Apollo.

"Canadian Forces will become an integral part of the overall campaign," Eggleton told a news conference.

"This campaign will be unlike any campaign we've engaged in before," he said. "Every role in this campaign is significant. Every country determined to halt terror can make an important difference."

Eggleton said the operation will involve six naval ships, six air force planes, special forces soldiers, and more than 2,000 Canadian troops.

The deployment is currently set to last six months, but that period could be extended if the anti-terror campaign lasts longer, Chief of National Defence Staff General Ray Henault said.

In the next few days, Canadian forces will begin to be deployed, a process that will continue over the coming weeks, Eggleton said.

Canada's special forces anti-terrorist squad, Joint Task Force 2, has been requested and will be deployed.

Canada will send two frigates, a destroyer and a supply ship along with Sea King helicopters .

Additionally, Eggleton said, six air force planes -- three C-130 Hercules transport planes, one airbus and two Aurora maritime patrol planes -- are to be sent to the Middle East to support the campaign with surveillance and airlift support.

"Support will also include providing humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people who have suffered for too long from oppression and want," Eggleton said.

CFB Trenton is to supply the air component of Canada's contribution.

Eggleton stressed that the coalition forming to fight terrorism will do battle on numerous fronts and that the government would keep Canadians informed.

"The coalition of nations that has come together to fight the threat of terrorism will act on a broad front. It includes not only military but humanitarian, financial, legislative, diplomatic, and domestic security initiative," he said.

"We will be providing the Canadian people with regular updates as to our participation and objectives," Eggleton said.

Eggleton also said that Canada had already responded to U.S. requests for military assistance, providing additional CF-18 fighter jets for increased NORAD vigilance and hundreds of personnel for intelligence gathering and surveillance.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Jean Chretien ordered the military on full alert and offered the United States "certain commitments" following the U.S.-led strikes against Afghanistan.

An unspecified number of military bases across Canada were put on high alert and troops were ordered to be ready to deploy.

Canada has already dispatched the HMCS Halifax to the Persian Gulf, a 4,750-tonne frigate with a crew of 220, where it will likely join a U.S. carrier group.

The HMCS Vancouver will also be deployed and integrated into a U.S. carrier battle group.

Chretien spoke with U.S President George Bush shortly before noon Sunday and pledged Canada's military support as the U.S. and British forces launched an initial wave of air strikes against Taliban-held territory in Afghanistan.

He said Bush requested on Friday that Canada take part in a "multi-national military coalition" against terrorism.

"Shortly before noon today, I confirmed to President Bush in a telephone conversation that we will provide the military support requested," Chretien said in a televised speech.

"All Canadians understand what is being asked of the men and women of our armed forces and their families," Chretien said. "As always, they are ready to serve. As always, they will do Canada proud."