The End of The Cold War - Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan

Question 1

How did the Soviet invasion in Afghanistan occur?

Answer 1

April 1978 - pro-Soviet government came to power with economic assistance from Moscow.

September 1979 - government overthrown by Amin - Soviets initially support him but as he got increasingly unpopular he was suspected of looking for US support.

December 24th 1979 - Soviets invaded Afghanistan ( they claimed they had been ‘invited’ by the government).

December 27th 1979 - Amin assassinated and replaced by the pro-Soviet Karmal.

Question 2

What were the reasons for the Soviet invasion?

Answer 2

• To extend influence in oil-rich Middle East.
• Optimistic that the communist Karmal would win since he assured the USSR that he was popular.
• USSR did not trust Amin and Brezhnev feared that Muslim groups would take control.
• Fear that if Amin won then it would encourage other states with large Muslim populations within the USSR to become independant Islamic states.
• Afghanistan was an important buffer between Iran and the Soviet Union

Question 3

What was the USA’s reaction to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?

Answer 3

• SALT 2 : Carter withdrew the SALT 2 proposal
• Carter Doctrine : In 1980, said that USA would repel by force, if needed, any threat to American interests in the Persian Gulf
• Sanctions : Carter imposed economic sanctions on the Soviet Union
• The Mujahideen : USA sent weapons to them

Question 4

What were other impacts which the Soviet invasion caused?

Answer 4

• Impact on détente : This invasion fully ended détente and some say the Americans deliberatley over-reacted to ‘get out’ of détente
• Ronald Reagen 1980 election : Critcised Carter and wins election after promising to stand up against communism