Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced again today that his government intends to do more to help with NATO’s struggling occupation of Afghanistan, though following his talks with NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen the Russian FM stopped short of offering any specifics.
Recent reports, however, suggest the exact extent to which Russia is committed to joining the war effort is open-ended, with some suggesting that the nation may even be willing to deploy troops, formalizing their participation in the occupation.
Which would undoubtedly be seriously controversial, as many still remember the nation’s devastating 9 year occupation of Afghanistan in the 1980s. With NATO’s own occupation entering its 10th year and death tolls rising precipitously, many will question the wisdom of Russia getting involved.
But the nation is said to be using the offer of aid to try to negotiate some concessions from NATO, which after so many years is struggling to find troops to throw at the occupation. Reports suggest Russia may demand limitations on NATO deployments in Eastern Europe as a condition for any aid it provides.
Great. Evil-dumb and Evil-dee join forces against the poor Afghans. Everyone the world over should be out in the streets protesting America's global butchery. Doesn't anyone have any shame?
Hmmmmm … maybe Russia will assist Afghans in the same manner Uncle Sam assisted in the 80s.
Seriously, is this not incredulous? That Uncle Sam, seeking to 'win hearts and minds" would seek to reintroduce Russian troops into Afghanistan?
Is the Mad Hatter secretly in charge of American policy?
This is not new as the Russians are already supporting and ultimately this war will take new turn i.e. West and East europe against Muslims but they will have to pay the price. Are the europeans ready for that?
Truth it appears is indeed stranger than fiction.
Evidenly it's the new world. Christians hand in hand against Muslims.
I would not jump to conclusions. There are divisions in Afghanistan that in the end need to be resolved. Russia'a allies in the North, the Tajik and Uzbek part of Afghanistan was supported by Russia in fighting Taliban till the end. Northern Alliance then help US bring Taliban government to an end. But since, it was all about Pakistan, Taliban and Pashtun tribes, while the North is strong in Karzai's government. The end game in Afghanistan can hardly see either of these groups lording over another. And if US and Pakistan cannot stay forever controlling the entire territory, there may be some accommodation in the works.