With Canada's 12-year mission in Afghanistan having come to a close last week, Canadians are deeply divided on its outcome and whether it was necessary, according to a new CTV/Ipsos Reid poll.
The return of a final 94 soldiers last Tuesday marked the end of the mission, which saw members of the Canadian Forces stationed in Afghanistan since 2002, helping to fight the Taliban and train new Afghan troops.
But upon reflecting on the lengthy mission, Canadians are split on whether it was a success.
According to the poll, 48 per cent of Canadians see it as a success for Canada and its NATO allies, while 52 per cent see it as a failure.
The percentage of Canadians who view the mission as a success varied across the country.
A slight majority of British Columbians (53%) and Albertans (54%) view it as a success, while Canada’s eastern populations, including Quebecers (54%) and Atlantic residents (54 %), mostly see the mission as a failure.
A necessary response to terrorism?
Canadians are also split on whether it was necessary to send troops to Afghanistan as a response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Fifty-one per cent of Canadians believe that the war in Afghanistan was a necessary response due to the threat of terrorism, with the remaining 49 per cent believing it was the wrong response to the World Trade Center attacks.
Deep pessimism about Afghanistan’s future
A major concern among the international community is that Afghanistan will descend into violence after international military forces leave the country. According to the poll, a sizable majority of Canadians share this fear.
Three-quarters of Canadians (75%) believe that Afghanistan will deteriorate back into a place for "terrorism training and potential war" after international forces leave the region. Only 25 per cent believe the country will remain stable on its own.
Majority support Harper's decision to bring troops home
A sizable majority of Canadians (82%) support Prime Minister Stephen Harper's decision to bring all Canadian troops in Afghanistan home. Conversely, 18 per cent believe that Canadian soldiers should have remained in the region longer to help protect civillians and ensure stability.
Did the Canadian soldiers die in vain?
Slightly more than half (53%) of Canadians believe that the 158 soldiers killed while serving in Afghanistan will be remembered as having died "in vain for the little that was accomplished."
By comparison, 47 per cent believe that the fallen soldiers will be remembered as having died for a "worthwhile effort."
In honour of the return of the last Canadian soldiers, the prime minister declared that May 9 would be a National Day of Honour to commemorate the service and sacrifice of the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan.
One diplomat, one journalist and two civilian contractors were also killed during the 12-year mission.
The CTV/Ipsos Reid poll was conducted from March 14-18, with 1,014 Canadians participating in the Ipsos' Canadian online panel. It is considered accurate to within plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.
