Canadian veteran criticizes Trump claims about NATO roles in Afghanistan

A Canadian veteran who served two tours said he felt anger after U.S. President Donald Trump said NATO allies "stayed a little off the front lines" in Afghanistan. More than 40,000 Canadians served in the war and 158 were killed.

A Canadian veteran who served two tours in Afghanistan expressed anger after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. "never needed" NATO troops and suggested allies stayed off front lines. Trump made the remarks during an interview in Davos, Switzerland. Nigel Williams, who served in 2006 and 2011, told CBC he felt "rage and anger and disappointment" and described Kandahar as the frontline. Known facts: - Trump said the U.S. "never needed" NATO troops and suggested allies "stayed a little off the front lines." - Nigel Williams served two tours in Afghanistan (2006 and 2011) and reported strong anger and disappointment at those remarks. - More than 40,000 members of the Canadian Armed Forces served in Afghanistan and 158 were killed. - Williams said he lost friends in the war and said he hoped political leaders would "stand behind" troops as reported. Summary: The exchange reflects disagreement between the president's characterization of NATO contributions and veterans' accounts of their service; many Canadians served and some paid the ultimate price. Undetermined at this time.