Wilkins on the Afghanistan dilemma

(J.P. Moczulski/Canadian Press)

Former American ambassador to Canada David Wilkins is back in Ottawa this week, mixing a little business with visits to the friends he and his wife, Susan, made during their time here.

He's also happy to sit down for an interview on the eve of Remembrance Day, to discuss the on-going efforts of Canadian and American soldiers halfway around the world.

Wilkins is keenly aware of how sensitive an issue the Afghanistan mission remains in Canada.

He also knows how Canada's decision about its future role in Afghanistan intersects with American interests, and President Barack Obama's much-anticipated response to his top general's demand for a massive influx of troops to defeat the insurgency.

"My hope is that the president will commit all the necessary forces to fight and win this war that he described months ago as a war of necessity,'' says Wilkins, sporting a red poppy in his lapel and a blue bracelet with the words, ''Support our Troops'' written in white.

Canada's military mission expires in 2011. Last week, my colleague James Cudmore broke the news that General Walt Natyncyk gave orders to begin the planning to withdraw troops and equipment.

Wilkins stresses that this is a decision for Canada alone to make.

Still, he hopes troops from this country will remain in Afghanistan, because along with soldiers from the United States and Britain, the Canadians are doing the bulk of the fighting.

"If any of the allies pulls troops out it puts more burden on those that remain. Including the United States because obviously we have the largest number of soldiers there.

"My main point is that it's not an easy solution. But one thing for sure: if we pull back or leave Afghanistan it's going to be a haven for terrorists. And it's going to be ripe for another 9/11 situation.''

It's a point Wilkins made repeatedly during his time as the U.S. ambassador to Canada.

And one he obviously believes is worth repeating now, as the debate over what to do next in Afghanistan takes places on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border.