Canada to stage fake Afghan battle in downtown Washington

Posted By Joshua Keating Friday, September 4, 2009 - 5:18 PM Share

Via Matt Yglesias, this does not seem smart:

At least four times over two days this month, simulated IED blasts will bring the Afghan war – and Canada's combat role in Kandahar – home to Americans if an elaborate scheme based on modern training realism attracts widespread attention, as is hoped. [...]
The mock village, complete with a small souk and peopled by nearly a dozen Afghan actors, will be created in the courtyard of the Canadian embassy, halfway between the Capitol and the White House. A handful of Canadian soldiers and, Col. Martin hopes, U.S. Marines will arrive to “see the village leader” just as the IED blows up, “critically injuring” at least one Afghan, who will get immediate first aid from a Canadian medic.
“It should provide the full flavour of hyper-realistic training,” said Col. Martin, adding: “Absolutely, you are going to hear it out on Pennsylvania Avenue.”
The dramatic recreation of combat, using sophisticated simulations developed by American companies and used to train U.S. and Canadian troops before they are sent to Afghanistan, is intended to garner attention for the often overlooked Canadian combat effort.

Hmm..loud explosions on Pennsylvania Avenue with armed soldiers and "Afghans" running around. What could possibly go wrong?

That Air Force One Manhattan flyover doesn't seem quite so bad anymore.

EXPLORE:AFGHANISTAN, CANADA

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AJW93

9:04 AM ET

September 8, 2009

more bad DC geography!

"What could possibly go wrong," indeed! However, one would hope that the Canadians would know where their own embassy is. It's nowhere near halfway between the WH and Capitol! Sigh.

Meanwhile, this is only a few blocks from my office; I wonder if they'll issue a statement here to keep the freakout to a minimum?

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