The first engagement in the new war on terrorism- with Osama Bin Laden in Afghanistan- poses severe challenges for the United states. Rooting out bin Laden’s network will require military success in a country that the Soviet Union could not conquer in ten years of trying, as well as support from unstable surrounding nations. Washington may be tempted to try to oust the Taliban regime, but doing so could rekindle Afghanistan´s brutal civil war. The United States must proceed with caution- or end up the ash Heap of Afghan history