THEN AND NOW

"... many parallels between what the Soviets were doing eight years into their occupation of Afghanistan... and what the United States and its allies are doing today. In the late '80s, the Soviets were trying to strike at cross-border sanctuaries in Pakistan, pursue reconciliation with insurgents, strengthen Afghan security forces and control population centers. It was a good strategy... and the Soviets lost... we're losing in Afghanistan."
http://www.tampabay.com/news/world/afghanistan-experts-at-usf-symposium-agree-on-one-thing-things-dont-look/1082567