Afghanistan Flashcards
Why did the Soviets invade Afghanistan?
In 1979, a Muslim fundamentalist government took over Iran.
Afghanistan now served as a buffer zone between the USSR and Iran; the USSR did not want Islamic fundamentalism spreading across its own border, as this threatened the security of its government.
The USSR invaded to ensure that Afghanistan was ruled by a pro-Soviet government.
When did the USSR invade Afghanistan? What was the strategic significance of this?
24th December 1979. The Soviets had hoped that, it being this time of year, the US would not react.
Who was the Islamic leader of the Afghan government?
Hafizullah Amin.
When did the USSR assassinate Amin?
27th December 1979.
What happened on the 27th of December?
The Soviets assassinated Amin, replacing him with pro-Soviet Babrak Karmal.
What was the name of the well-trained Muslim guerilla fighters who fought against Karmal and the Soviet troops?
The Mujahideen.
Who were the Mujahideen?
The well-trained Muslim guerilla fighters who fought against Karmal and the Soviet troops. Soon after Carter was elected, the USA began supplying them with weapons and funds.
What did the Soviets do in Afghanistan, after having invaded on the 24th?
They assassinated Amin on the 27th of December, replacing him with pro-Soviet Babrak Karmal. Soviet troops remained in Afghanistan for 10 years, fighting against the Mujahideen. This cost the USSR $8bn per year; over 15,000 troops were killed and there were an estimate of 1.5m civilian casualties.
How long did Soviet troops remain in Afghanistan after they invaded?
10 years.
How much did the fighting in Afghanistan cost the USSR per year?
$8bn.
How many Soviet troops were killed fighting in Afghanistan?
15,000.
What aid did the Mujahideen receive?
The USA supplied them with weapons and a large amount of money.
Who was US president at the time of the USSR’s invasion of Afghanistan?
Carter.
How did the USA react to the USSR’s invasion of Afghanistan? (total 4 points)
1) Carter claimed the invasion was the biggest threat to world peace since WW2, withdrawing from the SALT 2 agreement.
2) He outlined the Carter Doctrine, announcing that he would no longer follow détente policy, but take a more forceful and aggressive approach to the USSR.
3) He began supplying money and arms to the Mujahideen fighters.
4) The USA led a boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics to protest against the invasion.
Give 2 consequences of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan (5 total).
1) Soviet troops remained in Afghanistan for 10 years (costed $8bn annually); 15,000 troops killed, around 1.5m civilian casualties.
2) Détente ended (Carter abandoned SALT 2); 2nd Cold War ignited.
3) Carter Doctrine announced.
4) USA supplied money + arms to Mujahideen.
5) USA led boycott of 1980 Moscow Olympics (+ Soviets boycotted 1984 LA Olympics).
