General: USSR's Afghan Ordeal an Omen for US

General: USSR's Afghan Ordeal an Omen for US
February 13, 2009
Associated Press

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.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/news/article/February-2009/general-soviets-afghan-ordeal-a-warning-to-us.html

Britain had a long and unsuccessful tour in that country as well in the 19th century, then the Soviet Union took a turn, now us.

Don't our "leaders" read history?

mark