The Canadian War Museum has launched a new podcast examining Canada’s 13-year military mission in Afghanistan and the lasting impact of the conflict on those who served.

The Long War: Canada in Afghanistan was released Sept. 10, 25 years after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that preceded the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan.

More than 40,000 Canadians served during the mission. More than 1,500 were wounded, while 158 Canadian soldiers and one diplomat were killed.

Eight episodes trace Canada’s role

The eight-part series is hosted by journalist Anna Maria Tremonti and guided by Canadian War Museum historian Andrew Burtch.

The podcast follows Canada’s involvement chronologically, beginning with the early stages of the war and continuing through combat operations, reconstruction efforts, the counterinsurgency and the eventual fall of Kabul.

Episodes include Into Battle, Defence, Diplomacy, Development, Operation Medusa, Home Front, The Grind, A Long Goodbye and Reckoning.

The first episode was released Sept. 10, with the remaining episodes scheduled to be released weekly over the following two months.

Related Stories:

Veterans, diplomats and military leaders featured

The series combines historical recordings and War Museum oral histories with new interviews.

Among those featured are former chief of the defence staff Gen. Wayne Eyre, retired Maj.-Gen. David Fraser, diplomat Elissa Golberg and former deputy prime minister John Manley.

The museum says the podcast is intended to combine firsthand accounts with reflection on the history and legacy of Canada’s Afghanistan mission.

Many of the voices come from the museum’s oral history project, In Their Own Voices: Stories From Canadian Veterans and Their Loved Ones.

Anniversaries mark significant moments

The podcast launch also coincides with the 20th anniversary of Operation Medusa, one of the largest and most difficult battles involving Canadian forces in Afghanistan.

This year also marks five years since the collapse of the Afghan government and the Taliban’s return to power.

The Long War: Canada in Afghanistan is available through the Canadian War Museum and major podcast platforms.