The United States launched the war on terrorism in response to the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon on September 11th 2001. Called ‘Operation Enduring Freedom’ (OEF), the ‘war’ began with the bombing and invasion of Afghanistan on October 7, 2001. New Zealand committed SAS troops and a frigate to OEF. The New Zealand Defence Force has been continually involved in Afghanistan since then.
Download the factsheet for Afghanistan (PDF).
Why are "Peace" and "Security" in Afghanistan so Valuable?
New Zealand’s military role:
Currently, there are approximately 120 New Zealand Defence Force troops in Afghanistan. It is unclear if the NZSAS is currently deployed there.
Why we oppose it:
According to Jonathan Steele of the Guardian between 20,000 and 49,600 people may have died of the consequences of the invasion. The occupation continues in order that the US government can ensure that it has secured control of the area and the political decision-making process in Afghanistan. They are interested in a massive gas pipeline across the country that would allow them to access the oil and natural gas resources of Central Asia. The war and occupation of Afghanistan have little or nothing to do with stopping terrorism.
With its contribution of troops, the New Zealand government is assisting in this occupation. The New Zealand Government labels the military as ‘peacekeepers’ doing ‘reconstruction.’ These men and women, however, are armed soldiers who are occupying Afghanistan in order that the New Zealand Government can curry favour with the US administration. The Labour Party is anxious to start negotiations for a free trade deal with the US and sees the Afghanistan mission as a way to endear itself to Washington. Meanwhile, their propaganda has been effective at convincing many in New Zealand that this is an altruistic mission of mercy. It is not, it is a military occupation, pure and simple.