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Leave it to Canada to be politically correct in Afghanistan
Cover up our traditional symbols as to not offend others? We do it at home, why not other countries as well? Pretty soon it will be offensive to show our flag at the olympics because "it means someone else didnt win."
Im sick of this defeatist canadian attitude. We are helping afghans and we should fly our flag ALONGSIDE theirs. Not pull it down because it might "offend" someone.
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Canadians troops lower Maple Leaf at Canadian camps, raise Afghan flag
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (CP) - The Maple Leaf is coming down at Canadian military installations in Afghanistan.
Commanders of Operation Enduring Freedom have asked coalition troops to take down their national flags and fly only the black-red-green of Afghanistan in an effort to put Afghan colours on the forces bolstering the national government.
Canada has decided to comply with the request, citing "cultural sensitivity."
"This is not Canada, this is the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan," said Brig.-Gen. David Fraser, head of the Canadian contingent and the multinational brigade in southern Afghanistan.
"We've got to respect their cultures and traditions and be respectful that they invited us here. I think it's only fitting we fly their flag."
Fraser, officially made head of the multinational brigade for southern Afghanistan on Tuesday in a ceremony at the main air base outside Kandahar, said there is one team behind international efforts to pacify Afghanistan and that it should unite under one flag.
As Fraser was installed, soldiers at the small camp housing the Canadian provincial reconstruction team in downtown Kandahar a few kilometres away lowered the Maple Leaf in a dignified ceremony.
"It goes back to the cultural sensitivity training we did back in Canada," Fraser said. "We're in support of the Afghans. They're leading this mission."
Fraser said small Canadian flags on the side of vehicles and the tiny ones on soldiers' shoulders can remain.
For years, coalition and NATO military leaders have tried to polish the image of the Afghan government by insisting local authorities regularly lead operations with only the backup of international troops.
Despite improvements in training and equipment, the reality on the ground is often far different. International soldiers often pick up the slack for under-paid and poorly trained Afghan police and troops, although Afghans take the bulk of the casualties from insurgent attacks.
U.S. Maj.-Gen. Benjamin Freakley, the coalition operational commander who asked contributing countries to lower their flags, said the international community needs to build institutions like the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police. Raising the Afghan flag as frequently as possible can only help the effort.
"We're trying to make subtle transitional moves to help the people of Afghanistan fend for themselves," he said.
Freakley said some U.S.-run compounds hosting international troops fly a dozen flags from various coalition countries.
He said the U.S. has a tradition of flying only one flag at military installations.
Contributing nations will understand, according to Freakley. "In no way is it intended to suppress any nationalistic pride, commitment or investment in the nation of Afghanistan," he said. |
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| quote: | Originally posted by jester
Everything in this country is illegal. |
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery…" Winston Churchill
"If you have ten thousand regulations you destroy all respect for the law" - Winston Churchill
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