(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in Canada believe their country's commitment to Afghanistan should come to an end soon, according to a poll by Angus Reid Strategies. 50 per cent of respondents think Canada should withdraw its troops from Afghanistan before their mandate ends in February 2009.

Afghanistan has been the main battleground in the war on terrorism. The conflict began in October 2001, after the Taliban regime refused to hand over Osama bin Laden, prime suspect in the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. Al-Qaeda operatives hijacked and crashed four airplanes on Sept. 11, 2001, killing nearly 3,000 people.

At least 589 soldiers—including 56 Canadians—have died in the war on terrorism, either in support of the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom or as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). 55 per cent of respondents believe Canada is shouldering too much of the burden of NATO's mission in Afghanistan, and 43 per cent think the Afghan people are clearly benefiting from Canadian efforts in their country.

Canadians renewed the House of Commons in January 2006. The Conservative party—led by Stephen Harper—received 36.3 per cent of the vote, and secured 124 seats in the 308-member lower house. Harper leads a minority administration after more than 12 years of government by the Liberal party.

In May 2006, the House of Commons extended Canada's mission in Afghanistan until February 2009. 55 per cent of respondents think the Harper government has not effectively explained the mission in Afghanistan, and 49 per cent perceive the endeavour as a war mission.

On Jun. 4, Afghan rural rehabilitation and development minister Mohammed Ehsan Zia discussed Canada's role in the country, saying, "Our expectation is that the Canadian people and the Canadian government, who have endured sacrifices in Afghanistan, should not leave the job half-done. If the international community leaves the job half-done, experience shows that what has been done will disintegrate."

Polling Data

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In your view, is the Canadian mission in Afghanistan...

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