The Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan

Question 1

What happened in Afghanistan in September 1979?

Answer 1

Islamic fundamentalists had a revolution and overthrew the pro-Soviet government.

Question 2

Why was the Soviet Union worried about Islamic fundamentalism in Afghanistan?

Answer 2

The USSR were convinced they needed to have a friendly government in place in Afghanistan to stop Islamic government spreading to their doorstep. The USSR saw Islamism in the same way they saw capitalism, a threat to their system of government.

Question 3

Where did Soviet troops invade on Christmas Eve 1979?

Answer 3

Afghanistan.

Question 4

What was the name of the pro-Soviet leader put in place in Afghanistan instead of the muslim fundamentalists?

Answer 4

Babrak Kamal

Question 5

What were the name of the Afghan fighters who stood up against Babrak Kamal?

Answer 5

Mujaheddin

Question 6

How much did the war cost the USSR?

Answer 6

$8.2 billion per year.

Question 7

How long did the war last?

Answer 7

10 years.

Question 8

How many Soviet troops were killed?

Answer 8

5,000.

Question 9

How did Carter respond to the Soviet invasion?

Answer 9

The Carter Doctrine: They would use force against the Soviet Union if they threatened their interests in the Middle east (Arabian Gulf).

Sending troops to the Arabian Gulf to support the Mujahideen.

Boycotting the Moscow Olympics.

Stopping grain shipments to trade with the Soviet Union.