The Long War: Canada in Afghanistan

The first Canadian battle group arrives in Kandahar and begins operations in southern Afghanistan in early 2002. The initial invasion has routed the Taliban, but Osama bin Laden escapes into Pakistan. The coalition begins to secure their position and create democratic structures to replace the ousted Taliban government. Canadian troops enter combat during Operation Anaconda. They execute a complex air assault at The Whale’s Back. Snipers provide key tactical support to U.S. forces. And a devastating American friendly-fire incident at Tarnak Farms kills four soldiers, Canada’s first casualties of the war. The troops return home after their first tour of duty to a triumphant welcome. But the mission faces growing uncertainty about what lies ahead for Canada in Afghanistan. Read more Canadian War Museum: “First combat and casualties: Canada in Afghanistan, 2001–2002” Oral histories In Their Own Voices Pat Stogran – Transcript Paul Franklin – 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.

We begin at the end, when Kabul falls to the Taliban in August 2021. Canadian veterans and journalists watch in shock as Afghans cling to departing planes at Hamid Karzai International Airport, desperate to escape. The war in Afghanistan begins in 2001, in retribution for the September 11 attacks. Canada joins the US-led invasion of Afghanistan to pursue al-Qaeda and unseat the Taliban. But Afghanistan has a way of defying expectations. And the purpose and goals of Canada’s involvement in the war in Afghanistan proves to be complicated. Read more Canadian War Museum: “The fall and the beginning: Canada in Afghanistan” Oral histories In Their Own Voices Sergeant Ryan Flavelle – Transcript Captain Dennis LeBlanc – Transcript / Video Corporal Bruce Moncur – Transcript / Video Lieutenant Colonel Pat Stogran – Transcript Historical footage CBC report on the fall of Kabul: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQ_y3-EmvMc Chaos at Hamid Karzai International Airport: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhQ8zewFz5I CBC breaking news about 9/11: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIni8YFliqc George W. Bush speaking at Ground Zero: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9NEwe1JvrI Jean Chrétien speaking at 9/11 memorial service: https://www.c-span.org/clip/international-telecasts/user-clip-chretien-speech/4516424 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.

The Long War: Canada in Afghanistan is a podcast from the Canadian War Museum. Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against the United States, Canada joined a coalition to pursue al-Qaeda and unseat the Taliban. We examine why Canada went to war in Afghanistan, what happened there, and the war’s complicated legacy. Eight episodes. Thirteen years of war. Listen to The Long War this September to mark 25 years since 9/11.