The Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan 1979 Flashcards
Background Information
Afghanistan traditionally buffer zone and disputed area between Soviet and British interests
Since 1945 region ruled by Emir Mahammoud Zahir Shah – became client state to USSR
Deep divisions within the nation – regional, ethnic and religious – issue internal traditionally
Divide that would be political – Civil War – Islamic nation or Nation that supports socialism
1973 Mahammoud Daoud seized power in military coup – abolished monarchy, created Republic
Daoud became the President and Prime Minister of the new Republic – pro-Soviet but not Marxist
Soon his government gave rise to discontent – did not bring reforms, repressed opposition
1978 he too was assassinated and new leader Nur Mohammad Taraki zeized power
He implemented Socialist reforms– women’s rights, land reform, education, limit on bride prices etc
This threatened Afghan cultural traditions, Muslim tradition, wealth of landowners, etc
Problem magnified over issue of land reform and lack of credit for farmers
1978 widespread resistance broke out in region- US ambassador shot, Soviet advisers murdered
Taraki (arrested and executed) was soon replaced by new leader in March 1979 – Hafizullah Amin
Causes of the Invasion
Region Significant Geopolitically
Soviets deemed friendly government in Kabul necessary for security
Close to Persian Gulf oil and Indian Ocean ports
Bordered Iran in the West, Pakistan in the South and USSR in North
B. Region Significant Ideologically
1979 Revolution in Iran – Ayatollah Khoemeini overthrew Shah
Fear and worry that revolutionary activity would spread to region
Central Asian Republics were Muslim (contrary to Communists)
Course of the War
December 1979 Soviet forces crossed border and airlifted troops into Kabul
Amin was assassinated and Kamal installed as new leader
Troops sent in and took control over major city centres and military bases
Invasion ignited nationalist sentiment, protest and civil war – Kamal relied on Soviet forces
High technology Soviet troops fought war of attrition against guerilla forces
Considerable forces (over 100, 000) were tied up for long period of time
Soviets controlled cities and major strongholds – rebel forces in countryside
Remote regions the Soviets could not gain control or could not extend
US provided funds and aid to rebels (Mujahadeen) – not daily operations (no ground)
From 1985 provided increased assistance in the form of:
a. reconnaissance of Soviet targets, plans for military operations, communications
b. Technology – anti-tank missiles, long range sniper missiles, ground to air missiles
Effects of the Invasion
US under Carter condemned the action as Soviet expansionism
Carter invokes the Carter Doctrine – will intervene in Persian Gulf if interests challenged
US boycotted the 1980 Moscow games
UN General Assembly passed resolution protesting the intervention
34 Muslim nations joined together calling Soviet forces to withdraw
US refused to ratify terms of SALT II
Carter announced the increase of military spending for next 5 years
Long protracted war for USSR meant increased military spending
Increased spending would bring about issue to Soviet economy
In 1985 Gorbachev would begin process of removing Soviet troops from Afghanistan
Significance? Context to Cold War
Civil War, Proxy War, Limited War and Asymmetrical Warfare, Guerilla Warfare
Would bring an end to Détente and renewal of Cold War hostilities
Propaganda War between East and West would begin again
Demonstrated once again ability of Third World People to resist Superpower
US ultimately played role in boosting and arming Islamic fundamentalism
Comparison to American Invasion of
Vietnam
Both long drawn out battles that dragged on endlessly
Both pitted invaders high technology against guerilla fighters
Both examples of asymmetrical warfare
Both examples of ideological warfare
Both examples of guerilla warfare
In both cases the rebels or guerillas were supplied from outside
War was unpopular with soldiers from nations involved
Both cases the invasion failed to achieve its ends
Technology no match for own terrain, guerilla fighting, support of population
Differences to Vietnam
The superpower involved and supporting each side
Religious dimension to the war – ideological and religious
Terrain – mountainous vs jungle and impact on fighting (desert)
Less visible effects – not televised at home (no domestic push)
Mujahadeen itself was divided – not united like Vietcong
Soviet departure was more dignified – less so US in Vietnam
