Cabinet Minister Makes Surprise Visit To Afghanistan

Ms. Verner will have little time for either during a two-day stay that coincides with Eid — Afghanistan's major religious holiday. Security is tight and movement difficult in a town plagued by suicide bombers. Ms. Verner hadn't planned to visit any specific projects, most of which are shut down during the week of celebrations. Canadian reconstruction efforts have been sharply criticized in this country decimated by 25 years of war. Progress is slow, while visible results are few and far between. Reporters in Kandahar have had no luck getting specific details about 300 schools or the "93 projects, completed or in progress" that are vaguely described in official handouts. Even the military official charged with helping Afghans rebuild wrecked bridges, roads and schools has openly said he has little to show. Combat operations against re-energized insurgents have siphoned security troops in recent months. It has all put increasing pressure on the federal government to show that its vaunted humanitarian mission here has not been waylaid by conflict. Ottawa has promised C$100 million a year to Afghanistan for 10 years ending in 2011. It's to be spent on everything from small loans for entrepreneurs — many of them women — to vaccinations, textbooks and de-mining programs. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20061022.wCidaAfghan22/BNStory/National/home

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