Canada has paid a heavy price for its engagement in Afghanistan, and the reticence among some to maintain the current military commitment, especially when so many other NATO member states are watching from the sidelines, is understandable. But a Canadian withdrawal, in the absence of another state to pick up the slack, will deliver a significant blow to the state-building process. The reality is that if international troops were withdrawn tomorrow, or even a year from now, the likelihood that Afghan forces would collapse is high. They simply need more time to develop.
Despite the immense challenges I've outlined, I firmly believe that the mission in Afghanistan is ours to lose. With the right investment and the right changes in outlook and approach, the process can achieve its goals.
Thank you very much.