The recent dismantling of a Canadian-built military installation in Mushan drew applause by local Afghan villagers.  The installation, which was intended to bring peace to the area, had the reserse effect.  As stated by General Natynczyk, “The Taliban hate our guts.  So if we’re there, the Taliban will come.” 

Indeed, the presence of Canadian and Afghan coalition forces attracted insurgents to the area, further complicating and burdening the villagers’ lives.  An Afghan local landowner was quoted by the National Post as saying: “We were living in fear when the fort was there.  The Taliban would attack it, and of course the Canadian and Afghan army would react.  Civilians suffered casualties.”

Read the full article in the National Post.