In every war there are always two fronts with the soldiers on the front lines and the politicians in the backrooms. Separated by geography and complicated by security. Few journalists can keep track of both sides of that fight. Today we bring you the perspective of a reporter who did. Murray Brewster argues that Canada's war in Afghanistan over the last decade was at times a two-pronged assault, one on the Taliban, another on public opinion back home. He shares his perspective on the political and military battles in a long and Savage War.

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Part Three of The Current

Covering the Afghan War: Murray Brewster

We started this segment with the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in a major firefight in Helmand province in 2006. Canada's soldiers have been wounded and died on Afghanistan's plains for a decade. But even now, Canada's reasons for joining the war and what was achieved are far from clear.

Murray Brewster saw the war up close and writes about the conflicts in Afghanistan and Ottawa in his new book The Savage War: The Untold Battles of Afghanistan. Murray Brewster is the Defense Correspondent for The Canadian Press and he was in Ottawa.

Last Word - Fraser Mustard Obit

Canada lost one of its leading scientists and researchers last week. Dr. Fraser Mustard first showed how a daily dose of aspirin could help prevent heart attacks and strokes. He urged governments to invest more in medical research as a way of encouraging Canadian-trained doctors to remain and work in this country. But he became best known for his work on the importance of early childhood education.
A report released today suggests Canada has become more aware of the issue.

Five years ago, 20 per cent of children under five were enrolled in a preschool program. Today more than half are. The report is Fraser Mustard's final work -- he died Wednesday at the age of 84. From the CBC archives, today's Last Word goes to Fraser Mustard.

Other segments from today's show:

• Democracy & Egyptian military council
• Whistleblowers go public on threat of bovine growth hormones