For Invaders, A Well-Worn Path Out Of Afghanistan

[unhappycamper]

Soldiers from the Army's 101st Airborne Division walk along high mud walls in a village in Afghanistan's Kandahar province. The Obama administration later this month will release its annual review of the war strategy. Afghanistan's history does not offer encouragement.


For Invaders, A Well-Worn Path Out Of Afghanistan
by Quil Lawrence, Jackie Northam and Alan Greenblatt
December 6, 2010

As 2011 approaches, things look a lot different for the U.S. in Afghanistan than they did back in 2001.

All foreign forces invading must learn it's easy to enter Afghanistan. It's very difficult to leave Afghanistan.

The initial military mission of ousting the Taliban leadership that had harbored al-Qaida was achieved within weeks. But despite nine subsequent years of effort and billions of dollars in support, the U.S. has been unable to establish security or a strong central government.

The Taliban reasserted its control over some areas. Over the past year, the Obama administration has greatly increased the number of military and civilian personnel on the ground in Afghanistan.

Many observers remain pessimistic about the administration strategy. History does not offer encouragement. What do the armies of Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, the British Empire, the Soviet Union and now the United States all have in common? They all shed blood and tears in the indomitable mountains of Afghanistan.



unhappycamper comment: You can read all about the end of the first British occupation here -->