San Antonio Express-News, 17 November 2017
AAN’s Thomas Ruttig is briefly quoted here:
But in the view of Thomas Ruttig, co-director of the Afghanistan Analysts Network, a nonprofit research group based in Kabul, the AWOL cases illuminate the prevailing pessimism within a nation strangled by war since the Soviet Union breached its borders in 1979.
“The Afghan soldiers and officers live in a country that has been facing violent conflict for almost four decades [and they are recruited from the society and share this society’s experiences],” he said. “So it’s no surprise some use the chance to escape when they’re invited abroad.”
Revisions:
This article was last updated on 9 Mar 2020
