Last Russian general warns US on Afghanistan

[TWiley]

Last Russian general warns US on Afghanistan

MOSCOW – Twenty years after Red Army troops pulled out of Afghanistan, the last general to command them says the Soviets' devastating experience is a dismal omen for U.S. plans to build up troops there.

On Friday, the anniversary of the Soviet departure from the Afghan capital, the Russian parliament's lower house adopted a resolution honoring the soldiers who "were faithful to the warrior's duty, who displayed heroism, bravery and patriotism."

In retired Gen. Boris Gromov's view, the valor was shown in an unwinnable battle.

"Afghanistan taught us an invaluable lesson ... It has been and always will be impossible to solve political problems using force," said Gromov, the last soldier to leave Afghanistan two days after the Kabul pullout.

He told reporters that U.S. plans to send thousands of new troops to Afghanistan would make no difference against a resurgent Taliban, who came to power in 1996 in the chaos after the Soviet withdrawal.

"One can increase the forces or not — it won't lead to anything but a negative result," Gromov said.


Full Story Here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090213/ap_on_re_eu/eu_russia_afghanistan_anniversary

[Taverner]

1. "It has been and always will be impossible to solve political problems using force"

The irony!

Nope, Russia never used force in, say, Chechnya...

[freemedic78]

2. Russians were stupid

You gotta let the Afghans rule the Afghans.

Hopefully we will abide by that strategy.

[tuckessee]

4. You will only after you skulk outta there like the Ruskies did. n/t

[blindpig]

6. Wrong.

The Russians never attempted to 'rule' Afghanistan, they responded to a request from the socialist government. Reluctantly, I might add, they knew history. What they didn't know was that the US was going to up the ante.

[Javaman]

3. So does this mean the Russians are now arming all the future OBLs?

Like the US did when the Russians were trying to take over Afghanistan?

[TWiley]

5. I dont know

butt, it certianly could happen