Flashpoints Flashcards
What was Afghanisatn viewed as by the Soviet Union?
As an important neighbour
What happened in Iran in 1979?
Revolution in Iran deposed the Shah (king/emperor)
Who was the Shah replaced by?
A muslim fundamentalist government
After Iran became a muslim fundamentalist government, what did Afghanistan now form?
An important buffer zone between Iran and the Soviet Union
Why was Moscow determined to not let Muslim fundamentalism spread across its borders?
Soviet Union had many Muslim citizens
What government would there have to be in Afghanistan to protect Soviet interests?
Pro-soviet government
What happened in April 1978?
A pro-Soviet government took control in Afghanistan and received economic assistance from Moscow
When was the pro-Soviet government in Afghanistan toppled and how?
September 1979 as Hafizullah Amin staged a popular coup
How did Moscow feel about Amin?
Initially supported him but his government became increasingly unpopular as other pro-Muslim factions tried to overthrow him
When did Brezhnev decide to act on Amin’s government?
When Brezhnev heard rumours that Amin was talking to the USA about possible American support
When did Soviet forces invaded Afghanistan?
24th December 1979
What did the Soviet forces claim when they invaded Afghanistan?
That they had been invited in by Amin to support his government against terrorists
When was Amin assassinated and who replaced him?
27th December 1979 (almost certainly by Soviet commandos) and replaced by pro-soviet Babrak Kamal
How long did Soviets stay in Afghanistan after the invasion?
Almost ten years, fighting opponents of Kamal
Who were the mujahideen?
The muslim guerilla fighters who fought against the government of Amin and then the government of Kamal and the the Soviet invasion force
How long did the mujahideen’s war against the Soviet Union last?
Until the Soviets withdrew in 1989