#1. This operation is NOT DESIGNED to hold territory. Simply put the mission is SEARCH and DESTROY. This makes a huge difference in strategy, tactics and casualties.

#2. While very little has been said about the northern rebels...my guess is that we will use them in exchange for them taking control of the country. This is a win-win for us. We'll minimize our casualties and hopefully win a long-term friend to keep terrorists out of Afgan.

#3. Don't even try to compare Soviet equipment with ours.

#4. I could go on and on. But the fact remains if we go in do what needs to be done and get out, casualties will be minimal. We took out the 4th largest army (Iraq, which is light-years ahead of the Afgan army) in the world with only a handful of casualties. Needless to say it has to be done. I don't think anyone wants to ever see another Sept. 11th.

Take care,

Mike Winicki