Sandie: In Kandahar today there was something so expected that even battle hardened Afghan citizens were surprised. A senior Taliban fighter stood beside Canadian soldiers and announced he's laying down his arms for good. As CTV's Steve Chao reports from Kandahar, he credits his change of heart not to military force but to Canadian kindness.
Reporter: His name Muhammad Ibrahim, but to Afghans he's known as the one-legged fighter, one of the fiercest of Taliban who's decided to end his fighting days. "I want all Afghans to abandon hostilities, and to unite for peace," he says. Afghan authorities for months Ibrahim was orchestrating attacks against Canadian soldiers, including battles in the same area where Captain Nicola Goddard was killed. He's credited for planting several roadside bombings on coalition bombings.
Asadullah Khalid: It was not the normal Taliban. He was planner for all suicide and IED attacks.
Reporter: It was during heavy fighting with Canadians last month that Ibrahim was captured. These are photos of him in hospital shortly after. Severely ill with liver disease, Canadian doctors nursed him back to health. But it was Canada's Battle Group Commander that in the end won the militant over. In hospital, Lieutenant-Colonel Ian Hope shared about his mother's battle with liver disease, and life in general.
LCol Ian Hope: I did not question him about his connections to the Taliban, not once. We talked about farming; we talked about chocolate and tea.
Reporter: A very human conversation that convinced him that Canadians were the good guys. "I would particularly like to thank Canada, Colonel Hope, and the doctors for helping me." Ibrahim will join thousands of former Taliban at this Afghan run centre where they are reintegrated into civilian life. Not all get this chance. Others are jailed for their crime. Some suggest Ibrahim should pay a price for his past.
Major Mario Couture: It's not our decision. It's an Afghan decision, and whatever they decide is best for their country, we are here to support them.
Reporter: The centre's director says forgiveness is the hallmark of the program. Just how effective ensuring fighters don't go back to fighting is in question. But in Ibrahim’s case the Canadian military hopes his standing with the Taliban will win more converts and ultimately save soldiers lives
Reported by - Steve Chao, CTV News
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