Afghan War: The Longest in US History - Terrorism
Richard Holbrooke; 3/4/08
This former Taleban stronghold, where Osama Bin Laden spent time planning the Sept. 11 attacks, has become an American success story. The Taleban is being pushed out, and a government presence is extending into previously hostile territory. Khost shows that, with the right combination of resources and leadership, it can be done. But Khost also underscores a larger, troubling truth: The conflict in Afghanistan will be far more costly and much, much longer than Americans realize. This war, already in its seventh year, will eventually become the longest in American history, surpassing even Vietnam. Success in Khost required some of America’s best troops. Today elements of the legendary 101st Airborne Division — the Screaming Eagles of the Battle of the Bulge — are replacing troops from another storied unit, the 82nd Airborne, who, over 15 tough months, took Khost back.
See: http://www.arabnews.com/?page=7§ion=0&article=108514&d=3&m=4&y=2008