Q: Other than your wife and daughters, do you miss anything else?
A: Of course. Some friends I have there, I wish they were here. The nice fresh air there, the mountains, Spanish Beach. There’s a lot to miss in Vancouver.
Q: What’s your opinion of the Canadian government’s plan to withdraw all of Canada’s troops from Afghanistan in 2011, especially now that U.S. President Barack Obama is pushing for all NATO countries to step up their commitments to Afghanistan, as he pours in more U.S. forces?
A: Kandaharis and the Afghan government in general are very impressed with the Canadians’ work. I travelled to three or four districts, and sat together with the shuras, the district councils, and people were so impressed, very happy with the Canadians. The problem is that in Canada, the Canadians do not learn much of the development work. They mainly see all the injuries, all the death, all the explosions. I wish the media could be encouraged to show some of the development work. That would help to convince Canadians, and I’m sure Canadians would ask for the Canadian troops to stay.
Q: Anything else you’d like to say to Canadians from your new position as governor?
A: I’m sure there are very smart people, very young Canadians, who would love to help Afghanistan, and would love to see your troops successful here in Afghanistan. My request would be to support us by sending some volunteers to teach some English language at [Kandahar] University.
Q: How long do you plan to serve as governor?
A: Depends. I will see what I can do. If I am successful, I will stay for some time to bring everything on the right track. If not, I will go back home.
