Am I the only one who thinks a full scale land war in Afghanistan would be the next Vietnam?

[LocutusX]

"Ignorant statement... Afghanistans had the backing of US, China, Iran, and who knows what other country. Who do they have this time? Nobody, and this time the whole world is coming down on them."

Actually, the Talibans *do* have the support of hardline Muslim organizations in that area - especially in Pakistan. You can expect the Taliban milita to be reinforced (perhaps that is already happening) as other Muslim extremist militias move their people into Afghanistan.

There was an interesting documentary about Muslim militias on CBC not too long ago, you should look for a transcript on their website. It was made well before the current conflict. Apparently, "moderate" militias had already warned the U.S. the dangers of the "extremist" militias, but the U.S. paid no heed at the time. The moderates asked for U.S. help in taking down the extremist militias but they were scoffed at.

In that part of the world there are plenty of loosely organized militias who are in a position to "help" the Taliban far better than any officially-recognized "state". That's why the word is being spread that "no-one is helping the Taliban" - because no COUNTRY is helping them. Many of these Middle Eastern countries have such a loose grip on their people and an even looser grip on the various miltias operating there. Sure the Taliban may only have AK-47s and other archaic weapons, but who's to say their "friends" won't supply them with better weapons. The U.S does not control all of the underground arms dealers in that part of the world, and considering how well-connected OBL is, he shouldn't have any problems wiring money to their accounts so they supply OBL's defenders with more up-to-date weaponry, if need be. They've probably already done that anyway.

 

[sandorski]

Though Afghanistan and Vietnam may not look to have anything in common, Afghanistan could easily turn into another Vietnam. First, any comparison to Iraq is a completely moot point. This is not a war against militaries with multitudes of shiny tanks, planes, and other sophisticated equipment that can easily be targeted and destroyed. Heck, even if they have these things they'd be better off just using them as bait in a trap, for the Afghan's strength lies in surprise, evasion, and small Infantry operations. If the Terrorists don't just vacate Afghanistan, which would seriously fvck up the US operation, they'll head for the hills where tanks and other ground equipment can't go. I'm sure they have picked up many effective evasion and counter-attack strategies with the war against the Soviets, so to varying degrees air power may or may not be effective. US infantry is going to play a major role in this conflict, if the mission is to be successfull.

In the end, the Taliban government will most likely be destroyed, but the Terrorists be another story. We'll see.

 

[ToBeMe]

<< First, any comparison to Iraq is a completely moot point. >>


I am supposing your remark was toward my comments but, if your read carefully, I mentioned more than once that I am fully aware that this conflict would be much different! The only reason for the "Gulf War" references was to point out what was heard directly before that conflict began. Basicly, there was some concern nationwide that a war in Iraq was not "winnable" and that it would turn into another "Vietnam" both of which proved false. As stated, I'm NOT saying this one would be as easy as the war with Iraq seemed.......I'm just saying DO NOT discount the US forces before we see what happens. There have been numerous wars throughout history pitting seperate opponents against the same enemy and outcomes have been wildy different..............

IF this does comes to pass, whatever happens wil be awful for both sides, but, do not presume that the US will have all the problems of other forces...........hell, who knows though...........