Gorbachev gives Obama advice on Afghanistan

[DearAbby]

Washington (CNN) – As the American public and the global community await the completion of the Obama administration’s extensive review of U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan, Mikhail Gorbachev, the former president of the Soviet Union, said Sunday that, instead of sending more troops, Obama should begin to the lay the groundwork to withdraw from Afghanistan.

“I think that what’s needed is not additional forces,” the former Soviet leader said through a translator, “this is something that we discussed, too, years ago but we decided not to do it. And I think our experience deserves attention.”

Instead of more troops, Gorbachev said the Soviets decided to emphasize domestic development in Afghanistan and promoting national reconciliation between the various clans in the country. In deciding how to proceed in Afghanistan, Gorbachev said the Soviet Union also consulted with other countries including the United States, Iran, Pakistan, and India.

Soviet troops occupied Afghanistan in 1979. They withdrew a decade later after facing stiff resistance from Afghan fighters, who were backed by the United States and Pakistan. The conflict killed 13,000 Soviet soldiers and more than a million Afghan civilians.

But the former world leader added that Afghanistan’s history as a staging ground for international terrorism could not be ignored.

More:
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/11/08/gorbachev-gives-obama-advice-on-afghanistan/

[Itchinjim]

1. Gorbachev gives Obama advice on Afghanistan:

"Barry, getcher asses outa there ASAP. Trust me on this one"

[autorank]

2. There's no advice necessary

It's an illegal war, just like the Soviet occupation was illegal, no matter what their excuses.

Get the Hell out, period. This isn't difficult when you realize that the only reasons to stay
are to boost defense income at home and hold on to the option of protecting some sort of oil fantasy.

By the time this war is over, no body will want to buy anything from us. They won't want to sell much
either.

This war is truly delusional.

Advice from Gorby :freak: How about advice on surgery from Jack the Ripper.

[mindwalker_i]

3. Advice on Afghanistan

Run, Forrest, run!

[tmyers09]

4. Wonderful. No matter how good the advice may be,

it will give the right-wingers ammo that Obama is "being secretly advised by Communists" and that there's a "plot to destroy Capitalism as we know it". Mark my words. I bet Rush and Beck have field days with this tomorrow.

That being said, I think he needs to heed this advice. It's very obvious this war cannot be won.

[roody]

5. Russia killed one million Afghanis.

How many are we planning to kill?

[Duende azul]

7. Russia didn't kill one million Afghanis. The warlords had their share.

And there was a civil war going on before.
Between islamists and the secular government.

[inna]

8. your numbers are completely off

[roody]

9. That is according to the posted article.

[AntiFascist]

6. Gorbachev is aware of "Charlie Wilson's War"?

I'm pretty sure, anyway.