The Canadian Provincial Reconstruction Team: The Arm of Development in Kandahar Province

Abstract

By selecting Kandahar as the site of its Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in 2005, Canada chose the largest role possible for itself as an ally of the United States in its effort to neutralize Afghanistan as a base for international terrorism. Canada's prestige as a member of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and a major donor to the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan was substantially enhanced by its fateful decision to make its stand in Kandahar, where its efforts were leveraged by its close collaboration with the United States. For three years, the Kandahar PRT contributed to the stabilization of this vital province, preparing the way for the military and civilian surge ordered by US President Barack Obama in 2009; that surge then shifted military responsibility in Kandahar to US forces and increased US aid to levels far beyond even Canada's generous commitment. By 2009, the provinces of southern Afghanistan around Kandahar became the locus of the NATO-led counterinsurgency, and three districts within Kandahar emerged as the test of whether the new strategy formulated by ISAF Commander General Stanley McChrystal would succeed or fail. The United States has demonstrated its appreciation by placing its soldiers under Canadian command and by openly considering adding funds to Canadian signature projects, such as the Dahla Dam. Although Canada may turn over the PRT completely to the Americans in 2011, it will have left behind a legacy of concrete contributions to the stability of southern Afghanistan – contributions that cost more than 140 Canadian lives. Canada will continue to assist Afghanistan from its embassy in Kabul, and Afghanistan is likely to remain one of Canada's largest bilateral aid recipients.