Canadian Afghan war veterans express anger towards the Trump administration for its threats against Canada and allies, feeling betrayed despite their sacrifices in Afghanistan. Retired veterans highlight the importance of recognizing the difference between U.S. troops and current political rhetoric, emphasizing a complex relationship shaped by shared experiences.

Canadian veterans who served in Afghanistan express feelings of anger and betrayal towards the Trump administration due to its threats and treatment of allies, including Canada and Ukraine. This sentiment is particularly pronounced following a recent meme that highlights the sacrifices made by Canadian troops during the conflict, stating, “We went because you were attacked. We didn’t ask for your thanks. Neither did 158 of us who died for you.”

The anger of veterans stems from President Trump’s economic threats against Canada and his bullying demeanor towards Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. On the anniversary of Canada’s military withdrawal from Afghanistan, retired corporal Bruce Moncur questioned his willingness to support the U.S. in future conflicts, reflecting on his experiences during a tragic friendly fire incident in which a Canadian soldier died.

Retired major-general Denis Thompson spoke on behalf of the Canadian veterans, recognizing their sense of betrayal but urging them to separate the actions of the current U.S. administration from the American troops with whom they fought side by side. He noted that many American service members share a similar dismay over the president’s remarks.

Thompson highlighted that the emotional bond between Canadian and American troops runs deep, rooted in shared experiences in Afghanistan. He mentioned that Trump’s annexation threats, while unlikely to materialize militarily, still resonate negatively with veterans who sacrificed for the alliance. According to Thompson, such political threats do not reflect the views of the broader American public, suggesting that any civil strife within the U.S. might deter any annexation attempts.

Over the course of the war in Afghanistan, Canada lost 158 soldiers, with an additional 2,000 wounded. Veterans maintain that the sacrifices they made should not be undermined by political rhetoric or threats, which complicates their feelings of loyalty and camaraderie towards their American counterparts.

In summary, Canadian veterans are feeling disillusioned and betrayed by the Trump administration due to aggressive rhetoric and threats towards Canada. Their experiences and sacrifices during the Afghanistan war form a deep bond with U.S. forces, which contrasts sharply with the political climate. This tension reflects a broader sentiment among veterans who question their future support for the U.S. amidst perceived disrespect from its leadership.

Original Source: www.cbc.ca

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