Afghanistan and Soviet Union Flashcards
What year was the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?
1979
Who were the Mujahideen?
Those who engage in Jihad.
What were Soviet troops sent to do?
Aid a communist government against anti-communist guerilla Muslim forces.
What was the Mujahideen?
Islamic in orientation and opposed to drastic changes imposed by the government.
What did the Soviets target?
Civilian centers in order to break the Mujahedeen.
What does the Mujahideen turn into?
Taliban.
What did the United States supply the Mujahideen with?
American weapons, ammunition, training, and financial support.
Why did the United States supply the Mujahideen?
The U.S. saw this as payback for Soviet involvement with the North Vietnamese in the Vietnam War.
Who was the most famous Arab Mujahideen?
A young Saudi Millionaire named Osama Bin Laden.
What did Bin Laden do?
He frequently coordinated with the CIA in the battles against the Soviets.
What did Bin Laden see firsthand?
A traditional military campaign against a stronger military power could be waged and won.
