[dighton]

Northern Alliance soldiers are seen through the cockpit
of a destroyed military plane as they inspect the runway
of Kabul airport.

[Draco]

"I want compensation," said Gholam Hazrat, the owner of the damaged villa next door. "I don't know who to approach. Maybe President Bush will pay."

Your compensation, Sir, is freedom.

[Vigilanteman]

Like most holes in Afghanistan, the resulting 20ft deep crater is now being used as an open-air latrine.

What more suitable monument to the remains of the Taliban and Al-Qaida?

[IronJack]

Pssssst. Abdul. Spread the word. Unlike the Taliban, what America promises, it delivers. On time. On target. Got it?

"When it absolutely, positively has to be destroyed overnight -- the United States Armed Forces."

[ClearCase_guy]

"I have been through the Russians," he said. "I have seen Hekmatyar in action and the Northern Alliance. This is just incredible. The Americans appear to have been 98 per cent accurate."

In the Gulf War we faced the world's third largest army. We were told to fear the elite Republican Guard. We were told it would be a bloodbath. Instead, we smashed them in short order and with little loss to our own forces.

We were told that no one can beat the Afghans. That the fierce Taliban fighters would be supported by a general rising of the Afghan populace. It would be a quagmire. It was hopeless. Instead, we have shown the world (again) that the US military is an unbelievably capable fighting force. Amazing surgical strikes, backed up by just enough presence on the ground. A workable relationship with indigenous rebels and a flexible international coalition. We kicked butt.

Next up (I hope) is Iraq. Round 2 in more ways than one. Can anyone doubt that the US will approach this in a calm and careful manner? Is there any question but that we will triumph over the Iraqi forces in the field and then roll on to Baghdad and deal with Sadaam Hussein as he deserves?

Through our long war on terrorism, our forces will be gaining experience in a variety of environments, facing guerrillas hiding in caves, armored forces in the desert and any other approach our enemies may find. Our military will be getting stronger and more experienced all the time. Our intelligence gathering skill be be increasing. Our logistical support will be stronger. And the fear will spread, that when Uncle Sam points his finger and says, " Cast out the terrosists!" you better listen, or there will be hell to pay.

I think this will all take time, but in the end, the world will be a better and more civilized place. The 21st century will remember this campaign as the start of a long period of peaceful prosperity for all.

I am reminded of Pompey the Great's war against the Mediteranean pirates in the 1st century BC. Common Wisdom of the day was that the pirates were too widespread, decentralized and entrenched in their ways to ever be destroyed. Pompey rolled forward in a careful, methodical and ruthless campaign. He got the job done. And the Mediteranean was free from pirates for about 500 years.

[Blackyce]

I know this is a bit off-topic, but am I the only one who finds the quotes in this article hilarious... "Television Mountain" sounds sort of mystical dont you think? Also, "We Were afraid it was attracting the bomber", this had me rolling, you just know the guy said it with a completely straight face too. ;>)

[Tai_Chung]

"I have been through the Russians," he said. "I have seen Hekmatyar in action and the Northern Alliance. This is just incredible. The Americans appear to have been 98 per cent accurate.

This says it all. We are earning the respect of our friends and enemies. This should be a warning to any other country that dares to harbor terrorists.

[Fulbright]

The PRC and Russia, who are observing this proxy war, should stand up and take notice. If you have created a population which detests you, precision attacks on corrupt leadership will develop "internal contradictions" which will lead to your exit from the Corridors of Power.

[Nuke Them Nevins]

Yunus almost took one in the annus. Now that's better than Preperation H. The only way to deal with a hemorroroid like this is a 500lb'er in his lower orifice. Fast acting soooothing relief for this man.

[Theresa]

Great post. We are the United States of America. We are the good guys. Four thousand of us were killed on our own soil. It can happen here. That is why there should not be any place in the world were our military cannot kick butt and take names.

[Joe Hadenuf]

Kabul marvels at accuracy of air strikes

Kabul would marvel at a cold Budwiser. F-them all.