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The Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989)

The Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989). Origins. The Soviets had been giving economic aid to Afghanistan since the 1950s 1960s-1970s- Series of unstable governments 1978 The People’s Democratic Party seized power The PDP was Pro-Soviet The PDP was very unpopular

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The Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989)

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  1. The Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989)

  2. Origins • The Soviets had been giving economic aid to Afghanistan since the 1950s • 1960s-1970s- Series of unstable governments • 1978 The People’s Democratic Party seized power • The PDP was Pro-Soviet • The PDP was very unpopular • Most did not support reforms in education, women’s rights, land redistribution • Viewed as anti-Muslim • Most opposed a strong central government

  3. Soviet Intervention • By 1979 widespread uprisings against the PDP; Islamic leader declared Jihad; and formed the Mujahedin • Sept. 1979- Coup within the PDP; Soviets did not trust the new leader HafizullahAmin • By late 1979, Soviets believed that massive economic & military aid to PDP was not enough • Soviet Concerns • Spread of US influence (US already had close relations with Pakistan) • Spread of Islamic revolution (following Iran) • Loss of prestige (Eastern Europe)

  4. The Brezhnev Doctrine (1968) • "When forces that are hostile to socialism try to turn the development of some socialist country towards capitalism, it becomes not only a problem of the country concerned, but a common problem and concern of all socialist countries."

  5. Soviet Invasion • Dec. 1979- Soviet sent 30,000 troops into Afghanistan; killed Amin & replaced him with BabrakKamal • Soviet-backed government controlled Kabul, but 80% of Afghanistan ruled by local Mujahedin • Harsh terrain limited the role of Soviet tanks and technology • Afghan allies were not very loyal to the Soviets • “Arab-Afghans” entered from many countries to fight Jihad • E.g. Osama Bin Laden

  6. US Intervention • US reacted swiftly; President Carter led international condemnation • Several countries aided the Mujahedin with weapons & money; CIA training • 1985- President Reagan began a significant increase in US aid; goal changed from harassment to defeat of Soviets • $2 billion in aid from US • Stinger missiles • Training • Propaganda in Islamic areas of the USSR • Stinger missiles proved very effective against Soviet attack helicopters

  7. Soviet Withdrawal • Soviets suffered heavy casualties (over 25,000 killed) • Economic struggles in the USSR • New philosophy of Mikhail Gorbachev • Feb. 1989- Soviets out of Afghanistan • Civil war continued in Afghanistan • By 1996 The Taliban had established strict Islamic law throughout most of Afghanistan

  8. Results • 1980s- The “Second Cold War” • Soviet failure in Afghanistan contributed to their downfall • Economic strains • Loss of military prestige • Nationalism in the republics • Strengthening of radical Islamic movement • E.g. al Qaeda

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