And NATO invited ‘em??

Curiouser -n- curiouser.

This comes on the heels of Germany’s pledge to add 1,000 more troops to its 3,500 already in Afghanistan….

Sounds like a straight arms, and ammunition deal. Russia sells Ak47s, and ammunition to the Afghan army, US pays for the weapons. Also Russia permits transshipments of supplies through their territory via Europe.

Russia profits. US/NATO gets a secure re-supply route.

Correct.

You can lighten up on “the Russians are coming” stuff. They aren’t sending anyone in country – just letting us back up the use of Karachi’s port with an alternative route for supplies. Also, the ANA uses Russian weaponry – AK, RPK, PKM, DsHK, RPG, etc. They had enough of the stuff lying around after the 1980s… And God knows I had enough of the 107mm rockets used. At me.

NotCoach

It will be fine, because your fearless leader has seen inside Putin’s soul.

What a textbook contrast of how the USA goes to war to enhance Afghanistan compared to what the Reds did.

The US funded Taliban has enhanced it alright.

“agreement in principle over the supply of Russian weaponry to the Afghanistan National” Army”

It’s one thing to sell some AK47′s, the rifle of choice, and Russians being in Afghanistan. They would be dead on arrival by all sides.

Screw Russia, and the tanks they ride in on.

Russia back in Afghanistan?

Only if kick butt “The Gipper” attitude comes with it . Otherwise, ugh, Mother Russia will morph further back into Putin’s Wet Red Dream.

Alden Pyle on June 25, 2008 at 3:08 PM

What could go wrong? You mean the Russians could threaten to shut off the supply route unless they get mo money? Like they did to Europe last winter over fuel prices?

You mean a blockade like they did for west Berlin when everything had to be flown in by US aircraft?

You mean like infiltrating agents disguised as logistics officers?

You have a better plan? or just an attitude?

Moscow is taking advantage of the deterioration of the war in Afghanistan and the implications for regional security could be far-reaching.

Another liberal BS. NATO wants the Russians in Afghanistan so they won’t causes trouble and to put pressure on Moscow’s allies.

The Taliban can’t win because they don’t have the heavy weapons, training, and technology to counter NATO forces.

JiangxiDad on June 25, 2008 at 1:58 PM

It’s not that Russia needs cash. It’s an opportunity to get mo money. Never turn up your nose at mo money.

Just ask any of the multi-billionaires who never seem to have enough.

The also get good PR credits with Europe/USA.

It’s part of that BS of why Russians love Putin so much – many Russians say that “he made me feel proud to be Russian again” by “restoring its glory” blah blah blah.

Russia going to Afghanistan is largly for internal consumption.

If Russia is necessary in this war – then the war is lost.

- The Cat