"FOB Tillman, a base just 700 meters from the Pakistan border, and a base close to -- and very similar to -- the one that was attacked by Taliban extremists early Sunday morning, resulting in the deaths of nine American soldiers.
This Tillman base, as with many others in the Afghan war, is invented and built to gain a foothold in an eastern area of the country that sees an attempted daily influx of Taliban. The American troops must intercept the Pakistanis, then determine whether they're either harmless (Bedouin tribesman, perhaps, or simple shepherds), or militants invading the country to try to drive out the Americans.
It's not always easy to tell, and it's not always easy to prevent the Taliban from secretly crossing the border and engaging in firefights with the Americans."
Most folks here aren't that old but this is SO reminiscent of Vietam when US Armed Forces were restricted by congressional and administration politics from persuing the enemy cross borders (Cambodia, Laos) and finishing the job. Politicians never learn while the troops never stop bleeding. Thankfully my brother made it back from that debacle. Unfortunately, millions died after we withdrew. My apologies, however inadequate.
Frakin disgusting.
