"To watch the courageous Afghan freedom fighters battle modern arsenals with simple hand-held weapons is an inspiration to those who love freedom. Their courage teaches us a great lesson-that there are things in this world worth defending. To the Afghan people, I say on behalf of all Americans that we admire your heroism, your devotion to freedom, and your relentless struggle against your oppressors."
president Ronald Reagan - March 21, 1983
1 comments:
the Northern Alliance were still using horses for combat during the early stages of our involvment in Afghanistan. I recall being amazed at their determination.
Against the Soviets they were holding on (amazing considering their lack of resources) until we gave them Stingers and taught them the fine art of surface-to-air combat. Today it barely makes the news when they bring down our blackhawks. These are not unrelated events.
But when even those who despise the Taliban's repressive control of women and freedom and humanities need for art/music/literature, and their encouragement of hateful al-qaeda, etc/etc, are questioning what WE are still doing there, it's time to declare victory and depart the field. Build a couple hospitals and universities on our way out the door. We are war weary, we're bankrupting ourselves and dying ... what couldn't be accomplished after 9-yrs is not achievable ... not by us anyway.
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