The U.S. and Russia have been clashing since WW2. Russia has been bitter about their mindless experience in Afghanistan that was a significant factor in the demise of the USSR. The USA provided support to the muj that tipped the scales and the russkis are happy to return the favor. We should have left that schidthole to the Afghans after leading the Northern Alliance in kicking the ass of the Taliban. Nation building in these cultures is not possible and we should restrict our military to punitive expeditions. Go in, achieve the objective that best serves us then let the indigs to build the life that suits them.
mike r
