Canadians on the front line in Afghanistan
news.bbc.co.uk, Sep 16 ’06

Nato forces in Afghanistan say they are on the verge of a major success in their battles against Taleban fighters but some of the troops have their doubts about the mission.

…The battle pitted Nato forces, with all their firepower and technological might, against the Taleban militia,…

It was far from clear who was winning.

…The Canadians lost five men in the first week of the operation and Major Abthorpe is anxious not to lose any more.

…When the Russians invaded Afghanistan, they fought two major battles on this very spot.

The precedent is an ominous one. Both times the Russians were defeated.

(Original Post)