Major General Alexander Lyakhovski, 55, served in Afghanistan between 1987 and 1989 and watched as the massive Soviet army struggled. He spoke to TIME's Yuri Zarakhovich:
I understand President Bush's predicament: he must show the American people that he defends his country. But if the objectives of a military action in Afghanistan are destroying Osama bin Laden and wiping out terrorists' bases, no air operation will work. The bases are hidden in bunkers, tunnels and mountain caves. You can't hope for a blind direct hit when you don't know where your target is. Bombs and missiles, however smart, will only...
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