Explore every episode of the podcast The Long War: Canada in Afghanistan
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3. Defence, Diplomacy, Development (2003–2006) | 24 sept. 2026 | 00:38:30 | |
This episode includes accounts of grievous injury. Canada’s forces relocate to Camp Julien in Kabul as NATO takes responsibility for the International Security Assistance Force. Here, Canadian troops train Afghan forces, patrol in and around Kabul, and build relationships with the local community. Afghanistan successfully elects a president and parliament. Ongoing Taliban resistance, including mine strikes and Afghanistan's first suicide bombing, challenge optimistic expectations of progress. In 2005, Canada begins to redeploy to Kandahar Province, a large and geographically diverse area rife with insurgency. The assassination of diplomat Glyn Berry, IED attacks, and suicide bombings complicate Canada’s diplomatic and development efforts, forcing the military to focus on security and counterinsurgency. Read more
Oral histories
Credits The Long War: Canada in Afghanistan is a podcast by the Canadian War Museum.
The podcast cover image shows private Michael Kubis of The Royal Canadian Regiment standing in a cloud of dust moments after the detonation of an improvised explosive device (IED) in Panjwaii District, Kandahar, in 2010. Photo: Louie Palu. Many voices heard in The Long War come from the Canadian War Museum’s oral history project, In Their Own Voices: Stories from Canadian Veterans and Their Loved Ones. Both of these projects have been generously funded by donors including the A. Britton Smith Family; the Azrieli Foundation; Arthur B.C. Drache, C.M., K.C., and Judy Young Drache; The Royal Canadian Legion; The Legion National Foundation; Friends of the Canadian War Museum; the Crabtree Foundation; Robert Stollery, in honour of his service in the Second World War; Colonel (Ret’d) Stanley A. Milner, O.C., A.O.E., M.S.M., C.D., LL.D.; and individuals from across Canada. | |||
| 2. Into Battle (2001–2002) | 17 sept. 2026 | 00:26:19 | |
The first Canadian battle group arrives in Kandahar and begins operations in southern Afghanistan in early 2002. The initial invasion has routed the Taliban, but Osama bin Laden escapes into Pakistan. The coalition begins to secure their position and create democratic structures to replace the ousted Taliban government. Canadian troops enter combat during Operation Anaconda. They execute a complex air assault at The Whale’s Back. Snipers provide key tactical support to U.S. forces. And a devastating American friendly-fire incident at Tarnak Farms kills four soldiers, Canada’s first casualties of the war. The troops return home after their first tour of duty to a triumphant welcome. But the mission faces growing uncertainty about what lies ahead for Canada in Afghanistan. Read more
Oral histories
Credits The Long War: Canada in Afghanistan is a podcast by the Canadian War Museum.
The podcast cover image shows private Michael Kubis of The Royal Canadian Regiment standing in a cloud of dust moments after the detonation of an improvised explosive device (IED) in Panjwaii District, Kandahar, in 2010. Photo: Louie Palu. Many voices heard in The Long War come from the Canadian War Museum’s oral history project, In Their Own Voices: Stories from Canadian Veterans and Their Loved Ones. Both of these projects have been generously funded by donors including the A. Britton Smith Family; the Azrieli Foundation; Arthur B.C. Drache, C.M., K.C., and Judy Young Drache; The Royal Canadian Legion; The Legion National Foundation; Friends of the Canadian War Museum; the Crabtree Foundation; Robert Stollery, in honour of his service in the Second World War; Colonel (Ret’d) Stanley A. Milner, O.C., A.O.E., M.S.M., C.D., LL.D.; and individuals from across Canada. | |||
| 1. The Fall and the Beginning | 10 sept. 2026 | 00:28:12 | |
We begin at the end, when Kabul falls to the Taliban in August 2021. Canadian veterans and journalists watch in shock as Afghans cling to departing planes at Hamid Karzai International Airport, desperate to escape. The war in Afghanistan begins in 2001, in retribution for the September 11 attacks. Canada joins the US-led invasion of Afghanistan to pursue al-Qaeda and unseat the Taliban. But Afghanistan has a way of defying expectations. And the purpose and goals of Canada’s involvement in the war in Afghanistan proves to be complicated. Read more
Oral histories
Historical footage
Credits The Long War: Canada in Afghanistan is a podcast by the Canadian War Museum.
The podcast cover image shows private Michael Kubis of The Royal Canadian Regiment standing in a cloud of dust moments after the detonation of an improvised explosive device (IED) in Panjwaii District, Kandahar, in 2010. Photo: Louie Palu. Many voices heard in The Long War come from the Canadian War Museum’s oral history project, In Their Own Voices: Stories from Canadian Veterans and Their Loved Ones. Both of these projects have been generously funded by donors including the A. Britton Smith Family; the Azrieli Foundation; Arthur B.C. Drache, C.M., K.C., and Judy Young Drache; The Royal Canadian Legion; The Legion National Foundation; Friends of the Canadian War Museum; the Crabtree Foundation; Robert Stollery, in honour of his service in the Second World War; Colonel (Ret’d) Stanley A. Milner, O.C., A.O.E., M.S.M., C.D., LL.D.; and individuals from across Canada. | |||
| The Long War Trailer | 28 août 2026 | 00:02:46 | |
The Long War: Canada in Afghanistan is a podcast from the Canadian War Museum. Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against the United States, Canada joined a coalition to pursue al-Qaeda and unseat the Taliban. We examine why Canada went to war in Afghanistan, what happened there, and the war’s complicated legacy. Eight episodes. Thirteen years of war. Listen to The Long War this September to mark 25 years since 9/11. | |||