Here's a different take on the prognosis:

"Zhirinovsky Says USA Not Interested In Eliminating bin Laden

RosBusinessConsulting. Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2001, 6:03 PM Moscow Time

The USA in not interested in eliminating or arresting Osama bin Laden, LDPR leader Vladimir Zhirinovsky announced at a press conference in Moscow today. He believes that the main aim of the military campaign in Afghanistan is to weaken India, China and Russia. Zhirinovsky forecasted that military operations in Afghanistan will last 20 or 30 years and they will be accompanied by numerous changes of Afghani leaders and governments. Commenting on the possibility of Russia's participation in this campaign, Zhirinovsky stressed that it is not favorable for this country as well as joining the EU, NATO or WTO. He thinks Russia should change its political priorities and give up its pro-Western political course. Instead, Russia should join the Islamic Conference organization and the organization of economic cooperation between Muslim countries. This would improve Russia's image in the world and will be favorable economically."

http://www.moscowtimes.ru/doc/HotNews.html#6162