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OrionTheWolf -> RE: 34,000 (12/2/2009 7:34:14 PM)
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It won't matter how long. The Soviets were a hell of a lot more merciless than we are, and the tribes just waited them out. The Taliban back then was seen as an ally, because the enemy of my enemy is my friend. If nothing is done to bring the tribes and Warlords to what we, or anyone, wants to do in that area, then whatever is done will be temporary anyway.
tazzy, Iran has already stated they are looking to build 10 uranium enrichment facilities/nuclear power plants. Iran has to push this while those in power there still have it. Iran wants to be the powr in that region, with an Islamic leader as the ultimate power. Whether it is posturing or not, the words of their own President says they want to wipe Israel off the face of the Earth. Threat of violence can be as effective as violence, depending on how it is played. So far Iran has done well playing it. Iran likely supports most Islamic organizations, unless they feel that organization may pose an internal threat to their power.
Now concerning Pakistan, they have problems with the Taliban, and Islamic Radicals as well. The same area we are having problems with in Afghanistan, stretches into Pakistan. Pakistan already has nukes, and the government is not the most stable, the army being the biggest power there.
More soldiers in Afghanistan will not help much, except for maybe relieve the other side of the border into Pakistan, to free those troops up to secure closer to there major cities and military sites. That is a short term and temporary thing though. No lasting effect will come of it, the geographical location is just too good for guerilla fighters to use. Even if we removed every "terrorist" today, give it a year and see what happens.
Now back to Iran, if you want to be the power in the region, you either gain power and/or diminish other players in the area. So while they move towards gaining nuclear power, they can weaken Pakistan, and move closer to their goals. Iran is also making alliances with some of the big players, like Russia and China, so they are playing a very sound tactical game here. If only it were a game.
Back to 34,000 though, again it will not matter in the end. The Islamic radical will always be there, unless those that live there do not want them there. The Warlords have to be brought on board somehow.
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