The AP is reporting that the United States and Afghan forces have abandoned a remote outpost in eastern Afghanistan located at the village of Wanat where 9 US service members were killed and another 15 wounded this past weekend.
More below the fold.
My apologies to all, but this diary will be a simple reflection of this news article.
As a 100% disabled veteran and Ranger course graduate I find this news bitter indeed. It is reminiscent of the war in Vietnam when we would fight a battle then depart the area thereby relinquishing control to the insurgents.
It is reported that as soon as US forces departed taliban forces quickly chased off the few Afghan National Police that were left behind and assumed control of this village.
In a quote strangle reminiscent of other quotes from this administration concerning tough subject matter, see "We have total control of Afghanistan and the Taliban has been routed", "We support a strong currency" and "The sub-prime real estate problem is contained" we are treated to the following.
NATO confirmed that the post, which lies amid precipitous mountains close to the Pakistan border, had been vacated while insisting that international and Afghan troops will "retain a strong presence in that area with patrolling and other means."
"We are committed, now more than ever, to establishing a secure environment that will allow even greater opportunities for development and a stronger Afghan governmental influence," NATO spokesman Capt. Mike Finney said
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I am left so speechless that all I can muster at the moment is to remember a quote from Monty Python; "Run away. Run Away".
With propaganda victories like this one no wonder the Taliban & Al-Qaeda feel empowered.
A link to the article.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/...