In his preface to Canada in Afghanistan, the U.K.-born, India-raised Peter Pigott, known mostly for his books on aviation, declares that “Kipling has always been a favourite writer of mine. In fact, I can still recite his poem ‘If.’” Between his fondness for Kipling, the dozen or so years he spent working in overseas embassies, and the time he spent embedded with Canadian troops in Afghanistan, Pigott feels he is equipped to analyze Canada’s role in this intractable international conflict. He isn’t.

Like so many, Pigott has fallen victim to the assumption that being present at an event gives one the ability to understand it. A witness can offer evidence, but not necessarily analysis, interpretation, and prescription.

Not surprisingly, evidence is all Pigott provides: a superficial meander through the history of Afghanistan; an equally unfocused overview of Canada’s involvement; a lengthy testimonial from a Canadian Forces reservist; and an inventory of military equipment in Afghanistan. The few strategic recommendations he does make are openly borrowed from an NGO called Crisis Group.

None of this information supports his conclusion that Canadians should steel themselves for a long and bloody fight both to protect Canada and defend human rights, nor does it lend credibility to such statements as, “whoever Canada sends there is the mission.” Soldiers are not the purpose; they are the means by which the purpose is achieved, a purpose that should be informed by ideas and ethical beliefs, as well as concrete facts. Judging by his text, Pigott is unaware of the realm of ideas.

In his conclusion, Pigott calls on Canadians to be as brave and resilient as the Afghans, a people he earlier describes as “bigoted, cruel, and untrustworthy,” with a long history of “barbarity.” With this blend of romanticization, prejudice, and glorification of war, Pigott succumbs to the vices of his literary idol, with none of his virtues.