[rnf_fusilier]

1,700 Marines this time, more to follow? The Afghan Government's writ does'nt run further than Kabul. The historical reality of Afghanistan is that the putative government does not control the tribes or the moountains. In the 19th Century the British lost 60,000 trying to control Afghanistan. In the 20th Century the British tried air power, bombing the villages of uncooperative, belligerent tribesmen when they persisted in attacking British/Indian positions and territory. You are dealing with people to whom guerilla warfare is second nature. I predict the US will(after mounting casualities) pull out within six months, claiming their job is done.

[BOBTHENAILER]

I predict the US will pull out after six months.

I don't think so. Different times, new technology and a very new attitude.

[redangus]

What is often overlooked is that after the British debacle that everyone likes to refer to was over the British came back to Afghanistan with their own "mountain" troops, mostly gurkhas and highlanders. They then proceeded to kick some serious afghani butt and installed their man on the throne where he remained until the 1920's. It's called attitude and determination. Whether we have enough of either remains to be seen. I think we do, but the american populace is fickled at best, and has a very short attention span and memory.