Originally posted by shavixmirThat kind of illustrates my point. In the last, let's say for arguments sake five centuries has any invading army won a war in Afghanistan. I'm not saying we shouldn't try but history shows how hard it will be.
I believe the Mongol army in 13th century was quite succesful.
Originally posted by Zort BoyTechnically speaking the Mogol (Mughal) empire came forth from the Mongol invasion and lasted until 1800's. I know for a fact that most of Afghanistan was part of the Mogol empire until the 1700's. I'd have to look it up to see when they lost control of that region to be more precise.
That kind of illustrates my point. In the last, let's say for arguments sake five centuries has any invading army won a war in Afghanistan. I'm not saying we shouldn't try but history shows how hard it will be.
But certainly, since the first Anglo-Afghan war (when Britain was opting for regional power versus the Russians), things haven't went too well for invading armies over there.
Originally posted by Zort BoyI don't think the Mongol army in 13th century was so intent on installing a corrupt puppet who was an ex-employee of a U.S. oil company.
That kind of illustrates my point. In the last, let's say for arguments sake five centuries has any invading army won a war in Afghanistan. I'm not saying we shouldn't try but history shows how hard it will be.
Originally posted by FMFDude, just because a dude worked for an oil company has nothing to do with his capacity to make appropriate judgements in favour of his country. That he might overtly stroke the hand that feeds it should in no way indicate any collusion or conspiracy. The answer lies in something far less complex and a whole lot less sinister.
..........intent on installing a corrupt puppet who was an ex-employee of a U.S. oil company.
[pats tracking device gently, and nods sanguinely at the insecurities of others./]
Originally posted by FMFThe war isn't lost yet, sure, there are many losses and its almost impossible to defeat the enemy, but you can't just give up now.
There seem to have been a lot of very ominous stories coming out of Afghanistan for quite a long time. Leaders in the US and UK have been publicly renewing their alleged steadfastness and determination - which is usually a really bad sign.
Is it possible that it's a lost war already, for all intents and purposes?
Would the geopolitical consequences of this loss really be as dire as US and UK leaders have claimed?
Originally posted by generalissimoThe war isn't lost , neither will it be , its a war that has to be won at all costs and the ratio of taliban deaths to coalition deaths will eventually way far to heavy for the taliban and its supporters ....
The war isn't lost yet, sure, there are many losses and its almost impossible to defeat the enemy, but you can't just give up now.
Originally posted by Hells CaretakerNuc the place ?
It all depends on how ruthless our rulers want to be. Pussyfoot around with understrength armies and we shall be there for years. On the other hand a swift killer blow and the boys could be home for Christmas. Think about it people, the poloticians lack the balls to do what is glaringly obvious.
Originally posted by AThousandYoungThat is where we make big mistake. Chinese women teach Afgans how to fire american rockets. Mostly decendants of Mulan.
We already hired them. They're teaching people (our people) in Afganistan how to use Warsaw Pact weapons, at least according to Wikipedia (no source).
Originally posted by The SnapperWell, that is not true. The Sassanid Empire, for example, controlled all of modern-day Afghanistan.
No superpower in history has ever succeeded in military victory in Afghanistan. I can't see the present forces achieving a different outcome. The coalition will just redefine the terms of victory so that they can eventually withdraw without losing face.