Canada_in_Afghanistan

A special report on the Afghan situation commissioned by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper stated that an immediate withdrawal of Canadian military forces from Afghanistan would probably cause more harm than good. Canada's mandate in Afghanistan has now reached a two-sided angle. On the one hand Canada is providing military security, while on the other it is working with local leaders in order to establish a democracy. As of 2002 Canada have re-established diplomatic ties with Afghanistan, opening an embassy in Kabul in 2003. Subsequently, it may be concluded that the involvement of Canada in Afghanistan was also a step taken towards the strengthening of the relationship with the United States. It was a step demonstrating support for both policies and actions of the USA. Prior to the declaration of the war on terror all Canada's involvement and interactions with Afghanistan were limited to the sending of humanitarian aid in the form of agricultural products. Having analyzed such important events as the 1979 Iranian revolution, the Arab-Israeli conflict and the current Afghanistan conflict certain conclusions may be drawn as to the nature of Canada's relations with the Middle East. First of all, because Canada has for a long time remained under British subordination having limited independence and autonomy of actions in the foreign relations field it seems to have adopted a position of abstinence and isolation from all major issues. This is understandable as almost until the middle of the 20th century Canadian foreign relations were provided for and managed by British embassies.