Involved since 2001, Canada wraps up its mission in Afghanistan

[Ichingcarpenter]

Canada's military efforts in Afghanistan will end this month, with the withdrawal of the last 100 soldiers from Kabul, where they had been wrapping up training of Afghan National Security Forces.


Canada’s involvement included efforts in diplomacy, education, women’s rights and even dam building. The five years of heavy combat cost the lives of 158 Canadian soldiers, two consultants, one diplomat and one journalist.


With security deteriorating in many rural areas of Afghanistan, a number of foreigners have faced tighter security measures. As the country approaches the presidential elections next month, authorities expect to see more violence and instability.


Against a backdrop of heightened security, the Canadian flag will be formally lowered on Wednesday and Canadian troops will leave Afghanistan by the end of the week


Read more: http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/timeline-involved-since-2001-canada-wraps-up-its-mission-in-afghanistan-1.1724890#ixzz2vmGsDpVt

[Brother Buzz]

1. Heroin's resurgence as 'problem drug' in Canada - Mission Accomplished

Heroin's resurgence as 'problem drug' in Canada

Heroin, a drug that had been dying out in use, is now seeing a resurgence in popularity that is worrying addictions experts.

Over the past several years, heroin has been centre stage at news conferences following big police drug busts.

"There's 17- and 18-year-olds that are getting onto this stuff because [for] $10 you get a bundle," says Connie Thompson,a former heroin addict turned addictions counsellor. "That'll get you going for a few hours."

Addicts who are finding prescription drug addiction — such as addiction to OxyContin — too expensive or the pills too hard to obtain, turn to more readily available heroin, says Dr. Evan Wood from the University of British Columbia. This has contributed to heroin's return "as a problem drug in our society."

The drug is now cheaper and more potent than ever before.

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http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/heroin-s-resurgence-as-problem-drug-in-canada-1.2525103

[Ichingcarpenter]

2. I nailed that one when we went in

and the fields were starting to be protected by the US in 2002

Gee.........soldiers? Poppy fields? Low Pay? CIA? what could possible go wrong.