Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan

Background info…

Afghan Communist Party founded in 1965.

Communist Party took control in a Soviet backed military coup in 1978.

Party never had much support, especially in the rural areas.

In a short time, Afghan Rebels had control of 22 of 28 Afghan provinces.

Why was communism so unpopular in Afghanistan?

1. Promoted secularism.- Separation of religion and politics

2. Tax collection was rejected by the rural Afghans.

3. Collectivization of land was rejected.

- Afghans very religious (Islam)

Why did the Soviet Union invade Afghanistan?

The idea to invade Afghanistan was first rejected by the Soviets in the spring of 1979.

High level Soviet officials (Troika) thought it would be too risky.

Why did the Soviet Union invade Afghanistan?

1. Fear of US influence in the region.

The KGB thought the US might place nuclear weapons there.

New Afghan Communist Party Leader wanted closer ties to the US (Tito?)

US lost Iran (Iranian Revolution), might try to win/invade Afghanistan.

Soviets wanted to avoid being encircled.

2. Over confidence.

- Had the impression they were invincible (Hungarian Revolution ‘56, Prague Spring ‘68).

3. Worried about Extremist Islam

If Afghan Muslims were successful against the Soviets, others might follow.

1. Stinger Missiles

Why did the Soviet Union lose?

2. Mujahedeen

3. Economic Troubles ($8 Billion per year)

- Shoulder operated missiles that could shoot down aircraft.

- Very motivated, heavily funded (CIA, Pakistan, Iran ) and used guerrilla tactics.

- Controlled the countryside

The United States boycotts the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow to protest the Soviet invasion.

Withdraw in one month or

we boycott the games!

The United States (CIA) helped supply the Mujahedeen with military hardware to fight the Soviet Union.

- Gorbachev announced Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan February 1988 .

- Full withdrawal February 1989.

Results

Soviet Union lost 15,000 troops.

Collapse of the Soviet Union would follow shortly after.

Afghanistan was left with weak government. War would continue on.

Over 1 million Afghans died.

“bleeding wound.”