Beyond its political objectives, Russia places strong emphasis on having an exit strategy. In fact, a viable exit strategy seems just as important than whatever they are trying to achieve. It is perhaps one key point where Russia’s leaders would agree with Weinberger and Colin Powell. But unlike the United States, they actually practice it. This is typically the part the U.S. policy community struggles with the most: how to withdraw. Washington is great at kicking the door open but has a hard time finding its way back out. Usually, a decade and a trillion dollars get lost in the fumble to find the exit.

-- Measure Twice, Invade Once