Russians to return to Afghanistan,for?

Burnt rope does not lose it's twist,

More than two decades after the Soviet army retreated from Afghanistan the Russian military is poised for a new role in the country.

The Kremlin and NATO are working on the final details of a deal to provide Russian helicopters, training and support to Afghanistan's armed forces.

Russians to return to Afghanistan,for?

Moscow correspondent, Norman Hermant reports.

NORMAN HERMANT: A NATO spokesman in Brussels has confirmed a deal is in the works that would see as many as 21 Russian helicopters dispatched to the Afghan armed forces. Some would be purchased, others donated.

There would also be training for crews, spare parts and maintenance.

One big advantage - many Afghans are still familiar with Russian military equipment.

Andrei Kartunov of the New Eurasia Foundation:

ANDREI KARTUNOV: Russian instructors might be helpful in training particular personnel of the Afghan armed forces. Russians do have such an experience. I would venture to say that it was moderately successful so probably it might make sense to capitalise on that.

NORMAN HERMANT: The Kremlin may also clear the way for more aerial supply flights to Afghanistan. It's all part of Russia's strategy to increase involvement as the International Security Assistance Force ISAF winds down its role.

Security analyst Mikhail Troitsky:

What does Russia have to gain here? Why does Russia want to move forward on this?

MIKHAIL TROITSKY: Well first of all I think Russia has a strong stake in security in Afghanistan. Russia does not want a civil war to break out in Afghanistan and possibly Tajikistan or other central Asian states once ISAF decides to dramatically reduce its presence there.

NORMAN HERMANT: Russia's occupation of Afghanistan from 1979 to 1989 was a disaster. More than 13,000 Soviet troops were killed. The mighty Red Army was forced to withdraw in humiliation.

Now according to Mikhail Troitsky many in the Afghan government are happy to see the Russians return.

MIKHAIL TROITSKY: It seems as if the Afghans are somewhat more positive about the Russian role in Afghanistan back in the 80s than about the current role of Americans and their allies in Afghanistan.

NORMAN HERMANT: NATO's secretary general will visit Moscow next week and a Russia-NATO summit follows a few weeks later along with what's expected to be the official announcement of Russia's new role in Afghanistan. 

(source:abc.net.au)