Posted on 08/25/2010 8:36:33 AM PDT by LibWhacker
Russian President Dmitri Medvedev played host last week to Afghan President Hamid Karzai and the leaders of Pakistan and Tajikistan at the Black Sea resort of Sochi. The group's second meeting in a year was a low-key affair, but the subtext was significant. Mounting Russian concerns that Islamist militancy and cheap drugs emanating from Afghanistan are a threat to its national security have made Moscow refocus on the region even as the U.S. and its NATO allies maneuver to draw down. Two decades after the Soviet army left Afghanistan in humiliating defeat, Russia is poised to spend billions in the war-wracked country to develop infrastructure, mineral and energy reserves, with new plans taking shape to boost military capability. This time around, it has America's blessing.
(Excerpt) Read more at time.com ...
The common thread of black liberation wanting to see the demise of America by pooling with its traditional enemies. I believe muslim, not black liberation.
Reagan is spinning in his grave.
The common thread of black liberation wanting to see the demise of America by pooling with its traditional enemies. I believe muslim, not black liberation.
That’s it... we have truly become the world’s Rent A Cops!
A Stan was always a Russian business. America shouldn’t have get involved. There is no American national interest there.
IMO, the only reason we are/should be in Afghanistan is to make sure it isn't a base for terrorist Muslims. We did what we could to punish Taliban for that. It seems to me that Afghanistan is a Stone Age culture and will in all likelihood remain one. I don't want the US to be a perpetual nanny for Afghans, to be a colonial superpower, and to be continually sacrificing the precious lives of our military to perpetuate that.
So now Russian wants another bite of the apple. Is that skin off our nose? I don't see how. This is nothing like the Soviets moving into Cuba or Granada. Somebody educate me, if you will.
Reagan’s been spinning in his grave since November 4th, 2009.
Make that 2008.
Looking at Google Earth, I see that Russia having a strong presence in Afghanistan would provide another front on which to apply pressure on Iran vis-a-vis oil. In a more historical context, it would provide the sort of territorial cushion Russia has always felt the need for. The only question that would remain is...wait for it... How long until the Taliban start shooting Russians and Putin responds by sending troops?
Agree. Should have never gone in. Carter should have never meddled by setting up the Mujaheddin which have become a thorn in the side.
China wants into this area and they have enough influence. Let the Russians get back in and do what needs to be done.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.