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Photos: Harper lauds troops on surprise Afghanistan visit
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Prime Minister Stephen Harper declared during a surprise visit with the troops in Kandahar on Monday that, because of their efforts, “Islamist terror” generated in Afghanistan “no longer represents a geo-strategic threat to the world — it is no longer a source of global terrorism.”
After addressing about 500 soldiers in a makeshift amphitheatre adorned with a gigantic Canadian flag, Mr. Harper told journalists, “We have to look at this mission as a great success, remembering that we did this in the most difficult province.”
Kandahar Journal: Canadian air, part two
The Canadian Chinook helicopter was packed full of American and Canadian soldiers and a few journalists. The flight I was on was part of something called “the milk run” – a twice-weekly flight out to some of the major Field Operation Bases (FOB) in Panjwaii district. About 60 of us were strapped in tight, facing the centre of the copter, which was filled to waist deep with bags and equipment. Everyone was in full gear, helmet, gloves, earplugs, ballistic goggles, and Kevlar vest. Jammed as we were – shoulder to shoulder in the space – this was not a situation for the claustrophobic. I decided before takeoff just to close my eyes and will it to be over. I get motion sick, really, quite badly. And I hate flying. I like the prospect of being shot at while flying and feeling sick even less.
Kandahar Journal: Canadian air, part one
Assignment Kandahar: The end of the road
Assignment Kandahar: Meeting a former Taliban commander
