Focus our study

Canada did not have a choice when it came to Afghanistan. My reasons are as follows:

1. Canada did not want to upset the United States - given the fact that the US is our biggest ally, trading partner and furthermore, it was framed as North American Defense.

2. Follows the logic of functional principle - that is if you want to have a say in world affairs, you need to contribute, if you don't contribute, you don't get a seat at the table. It's like playing poker, if you don't have the chips, you cannot gamble.

3. Canada's reputation as a credible ally in NATO was also at stake.

4. Canada did not want to get involved in Iraq, hence, they re-committed to Afghanistan after initially pulling out, If they had pulled out, they would have been most likely be involved in the Iraq war and hence, Afghanistan was a way out for Canada to avoid being involved in the Iraq war.

Please feel free to comment and or critique.