Afghanistan committee  On the first count, of course, you understand that in Regional Command-East there are large numbers of Americans under ISAF command. There is some interesting reporting that's come out relatively recently. The Economist, I think, this week makes reference to the success of their

Afghanistan committee  In answer to your first question, I can give you a very clear answer, Mr. Bachand. In fact, there are slightly fewer than 3,000 soldiers. There are two US Marine Corps groups. One is working training the Afghan police and army, and the other, which is a battalion, is working unde

Afghanistan committee  No, it is a classified document.

Afghanistan committee  That's a really good question. It's a difficult one to answer in a couple of minutes, but I'll do my best. Back in 2005, of course there were no Canadians in the south of Afghanistan. There was an Operation Enduring Freedom mission, and there were provincial reconstruction teams

Afghanistan committee  Do you mean the population that has returned to Zhari and Panjwaii?

Afghanistan committee  I am not sure. I would say perhaps about 5 to 10 per cent of the population, no more. These are two out of seventeen districts.

Afghanistan committee  I discussed that a bit. They are not completely safe. Some areas are safer than others. That is the nature of the environment. We do what we can with the Afghan army, police and local chiefs, both on the civilian and military side, to try to ensure their protection and encourage

Afghanistan committee  Everything is relative, Madam.

Afghanistan committee  Given the challenges we face in Afghanistan, I think that progress has continued and is stable. However, things are moving forward very slowly, and it's clear that it will take some time.

Afghanistan committee  Unfortunately, my crystal ball isn't terribly clear on that subject. I would not even want to try to make a prediction. Will there be progress? Will we see progress within the population? Will districts become safer than they are today? Absolutely. Will we see functional progress

Afghanistan committee  Good day, Mr. Bachand.

Afghanistan committee  Quite well, thank you.

Afghanistan committee  I have challenges with both short- and long-term memory. I actually missed the very first question, Mr. Wilfert. I did not hear it.

Afghanistan committee  On the first question, to be as brief and succinct as I can, this is not to make light of your question, but actually the more IEDs we find, the better. If we're finding them rather than detonating them, then we're saving lives. Actually, I'm not sure that you meant the question

Afghanistan committee  Your second question was to do with the importance of success in eliminating the leadership cadre of the insurgents. That's just one element. There is so much more to this because what we have seen over time is that as you eliminate whatever level of leadership, the effect you ha