5. Home Front (2006–2008)

In the wake of 9/11, the Canadian public is strongly behind the war in Afghanistan. But over time, support wanes. The ongoing costs of the war, political disagreements over its purpose, and a series of scandals erode public trust and raise questions about the mission and its direction.  In 2006, widespread media coverage of the death of Captain Nichola Goddard draws attention to the human cost of the war. At this point, several years into the war, the public is divided. Many share their patriotism and grief in vigils and yellow ribbon campaigns urging people to “support the troops.” However, anti-war voices and protests grow louder.  A scandal erupts the next year over Canadian forces delivering prisoners to Afghan custody — and reportedly, to torture. In early 2008, former Liberal MP John Manley delivers a report on the conduct and outcomes of the war. It is critical of many systemic problems but ultimately supports a continued mission.  And so, despite an uncertain public and a divided Parliament, Canada remains committed to the war in Afghanistan. Read more Canadian War Museum: “Politics and public opinion: Canada in Afghanistan, 2006-2008” Oral histories In Their Own Voices Elissa Golberg – Transcript Credits The Long War: Canada in Afghanistan is a podcast by the Canadian War Museum.  Narrator: Anna Maria Tremonti  Historian: Andrew Burtch Producers: Lisa Gabriele and Neil Morrison Associate Producer: Hailey Choi Mixing: Cameron McIver Executive Producers: Jenny Ellison and Steve McCullough Text editors: Shannon Moore and Pascal Scallon-Chouinard  The podcast cover image shows private Michael Kubis of The Royal Canadian Regiment standing in a cloud of dust moments after the detonation of an improvised explosive device (IED) in Panjwaii District, Kandahar, in 2010. Photo: Louie Palu. Many voices heard in The Long War come from the Canadian War Museum’s oral history project, In Their Own Voices: Stories from Canadian Veterans and Their Loved Ones. Both of these projects have been generously funded by donors including the A. Britton Smith Family; the Azrieli Foundation; Arthur B.C. Drache, C.M., K.C., and Judy Young Drache; The Royal Canadian Legion; The Legion National Foundation; Friends of the Canadian War Museum; the Crabtree Foundation; Robert Stollery, in honour of his service in the Second World War; Colonel (Ret’d) Stanley A. Milner, O.C., A.O.E., M.S.M., C.D., LL.D.; and individuals from across Canada.