Firstly, on the matter of reconstruction, which is always seen as a diametric opposite to combat or fighter operations, it has to be understood that, for as long as insurgents are prepared to act as suicide bombers, it will remain difficult to build schools, or indeed any infrastructure. Ensuring security has to be the number one priority, and the support of the local population remains key to meeting this objective. When active in a future of operation, Canadian Forces must always ensure that there is more local support for their operation than there is for those of the insurgents. To my mind, it is a little like walking a tight rope and I do not have a model solution to offer soldiers. I think that Canadian soldiers in the field would know more about this. It is always important to tread carefully to ensure that the local population has a positive impression of Canadian forces and their operations. This is key to having access to information, which is crucial for the Canadian Forces. Intelligence gathering in a country such as Afghanistan is no easy task. Satellites and other technologies are not the answer, what is needed is dialogue with those who are attune to what is happening in the field, in Afghan villages. If the Canadian Forces are able to rise in the esteem of the local population by securing their villages, they are likely to be privy to more information and will, in turn, experience greater success in hunting down terrorists.
As regards agriculture, I think it would be a good idea to commit to purchasing a certain percentage of Afghan production. However, bear in mind that selling opium generates far higher revenues than selling potatoes or other commodities. It is far easier for Afghans to grow poppies on their rugged terrain. This means that if we commit to buying Afghan commodities, we will have to be prepared to pay not the regular international market price, but a price that will allow the local population to meet their needs. In today's context, it is easy to see why the father of an Afghan family would prefer to grow poppy seeds as opposed to wheat or other crops.