The Director of UNO’s Center for Afghanistan Studies and Dean of International Studies, Thomas Gouttierre was the guest at this month’s Omaha Press Club Noon Forum.
Gouttierre is set to retire after a 41-year career. His presentation focused on his time at UNO, as well as his roles in the Cold War and the War on Terror.
He reflected back on being asked by a Russian doctor whether or not the US government would help Russia get their troops out of Afghanistan.
Gouttierre said he believed he was asked that question because some thought he was with the CIA.
"And I wondered how I do this. I told him, ‘I am not a member of the US government, and so whatever I tell you is just my opinion. In my opinion the US will not help you get your troops out of Afghanistan. I think it’s the US’s position, you got them in, and you’re going to have to get them out’”
Gouttierre said he told the man that the US did not intend to take a military advantage from the departure of the Russian troops.
Nine days later, the Russians announced they were going to leave Afghanistan.