Russian+aid+in+Afghanistan

2/5/09** This movement was started by Afghanistan’s leader President Hamid Karzai, in November of 08 he sent a letter to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev asking for aid in national security. While NATO forces act in Afghanistan, they do not provide equipment, at least not nearly enough. The majority of the current Afghan military still relies on old soviet equipment from the occupation in the 19080’s. Medvedev replied to Karzai saying Russia would be willing to aid Afghanistan in securing the region. The Afghanistan gov. stated that it still has strong ties to NATO, and that this request has a strategic aspect, as all the equipment the Afghan army is failure with is Russian made, It would be easier for the Afghan troops to adapt to new equipment. Russia had between 2002-05 given Afghanistan 200 million is aid in the form of airport maintenance equipment, a missile defense system to protect the Kabul airport, communication equipment, trucks, repair equipment, spare parts and manuals. -Pros Better equipped Afghan army Less training needed to familiarize the Afghan troops More aid to Afghanistan Further aid From Russia in the future Russia is also aiding with foods, and has begun a 72 rail cars of wheat flour, of which 11 have been sent -Cons Potential conflict between NATO and Russian interests Russian my try to reestablish its old ties in Afghanistan Afghanistan will rely on Russia for ammunition and parts Second eastern bock
 * Russian aid to Afghanistan