Rude, there were several "stages" of Afghan war, and situation changed from nice and almost peacefull entering the country (Afghans still think "Shuravi" are their friends), to severe failures and losses, then, with some experience and change of command losses were minimized, and almost every goal reached. The Panjsher gorge was taken with the loss of only 2 men (newbee officer shot by a sniper and a soldier who stepped on a landmine), after terrible losses in futile attempts for several years. Then came the "retreat" and again catastrophic losses, some units went back several weeks after Gromov declared he was the "last Soviet soldier in Afghanistan". Anyway, the decision to withdraw was absolutely political, and can be called criminal. The war never ended, it simply moved towards the borders of former USSR. We still have a complete motorinfantry dividion, with aviation and other "additional" troops in Tajikistan, not speaking of the Commonwealth border guards, mostly Russian too. I have friends who lost their health and lost many comrades on the "peacekeeping" mission there.
The whole Afghan war was a silly adventure
Instead of letting the things go the way they did, Soviet government should have better make sure Zakir-Shah wasn't overthrown in 1973. Afghanistan was our traditional ally, and all that happened there in the 70s lead to what we have now. No good when the country is the "boxing ring" for two superpowers.
As for you supporting your troops and president - I am not surprised and only can say that I'd be surprised if you didn't think so.
Again, the quote from Jethro Tull:
My words but a wisper, your deafness - a shout
I can't make you think, but I can make you feel
