Our government for several years has done an desperately dismal job in providing that coherent narrative for Canadians.  But the war is about much more than that.  It’s about people: the Afghans (see here and here), foreign troops, and the publics in the countries sending those troops.  And ultimately it’s about long-term national interests.

Our government at the ministerial level has never really focused on the substance of getting the job done; rather it’s been trying desperately to find a way out for some time.  Thankfully it has been unable for now to do that.

Meanwhile the Obama administration also seems bent on confusing optics with substance.  The conclusion of a post at The Captain’s Journal:

…Even as a Milblogger, I have grown weary of the strategic narrative(s) coming from Washington. I focus now on a full court press for more troops, more resources, more support, and patience. I also focus on the bravery of our men under fire. I focus mainly now on the tactical level rather than the strategic. There is nothing to cover on strategy.

Isn’t it sad to see the convolution of words, the twisting of stories, and the belief that if all they do is get the narrative right, everything else will follow? If you’re looking for leadership in this administration, you won’t find it. Instead, they are working hard to “assemble a coherent narrative.”

Via Thucydides at Milnet.ca.  Earlier today:

Afstan round-up/Obama’s 2011 withdrawal going, going…/Canadian angle Update/German Upperdate

Mildly related to that narrative, a Conference of Defence Associations’ media round-up:

Afghanistan: Transition Strategy – 2014

Mark
Ottawa