Understanding the conflict: definitions
OP
OP
Operation (mission name)
Green zone
Green zone
Protected international zone where diplomats and foreign agencies live.
Rules of engagement
Rules of engagement
Internal rules defining when to use force.
IED
IED
Improvised explosive device – a homemade bomb.
PsyOps
PsyOps
Psychological operations: used to influence the emotions/ideas of local population and to convince Afghans of Canadian and Allied objectives in Afghanistan. Can include gathering information.
Military deployment
Military deployment
Sending troops into duty, assigning area where they will be deployed.
Civilian
Civilian
Person not in the armed forces or police force.
Returning to civilian life
Returning to civilian life
Leaving military duties and returning to their life before, as a civilian.
CIMIC
CIMIC
Civil-Military Cooperation – an army function that coordinates between military and civilians like NGOs or locals. Often supports development and helps win support for military operations.
Condition yellow
Condition yellow
Code in the army – to be calm but quick to react if the situation calls for it.
Frontlines
Frontlines
Position closest to the enemy.
PTSD
PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder, psychological stress caused by traumatic events, can reoccur suddenly. It can be lifelong.
Sunni and Shi’a
Sunni and Shi’a
Two different branches of Islam, often in conflict. The majority of Afghanistan is Sunni (like the majority of Muslims). Hazaras are Shi’a and are a persecuted group in Afghanistan.
Fundamentalist
Fundamentalist
A fundamentalist believes in a very strict, very literal interpretation of religious scripture. Fundamentalists can be Muslim, Christian or other religions.
Jihad
Jihad
“Holy war” It is the struggle against the enemies of Islam. It can also be a personal struggle against one’s own sins.
Islamism
Islamism
The belief that public and political life should be governed by Islamic law, sharia law.
al Qaeda
al Qaeda
Multi-national militant Sunni Islamist organization, terrorist. Responsible for Sept 11 attacks.
Taliban
Taliban
Sunni fundamentalist political and military organization waging guerilla warfare for the control of Afghanistan.
Insurgent
Insurgent
A rebel or revolutionary person fighting against a civil authority or established government.
NGO
NGO
Non-governmental organization. Often involved in humanitarian work. Examples: Red Cross/Red Crescent, Doctors Without Borders.
UN
UN
United Nations, an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain peace and security internationally.
NATO
NATO
North Atlantic Treaty Organization, intergovernmental military alliance for the collective defence of member nations.
Soldiers’ Experiences
Nicolas Gauthier
Harold Strul
Danny Houle
Kevin Motton
Anthony Petrilli
Megal Johnson