Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you for being here, Minister.
I have felt that our expectations are unrealistic in Afghanistan, a country with no infrastructure, no law and order, no democracy, no education, and no security. I've read the stories in the media, and I don't think they are very realistic expectations; therefore, they seem to be critical.
I stood in Kabul as a proud Canadian when I saw the work of your department and the development work that is going on.
Afghanistan has more UXOs, unexploded ordnances, than anywhere in the world. There were more bombs dropped in Afghanistan than in Iraq in 2001. There are more casualties, including our soldiers, from mines and UXOs.
What I'd like to hear from you today, Minister, is this. Can you share with this committee some positive developments on the impact of conditions on women and other issues--which I saw, but which perhaps people don't know? Give us some positive stories of success in Afghanistan.