The Soviet-Afghan War

A Hot Conflict during the Cold War [The Soviets Vietnam]

OBJ: The students will describe the Soviet-Afghan War.

OPEN Note QUIZ Today

Afghanistan Independence Overview

Afghanistan remained neutral during WWII Resists influence from the U.S. and Soviet Union during the beginning of the Cold War

Afghan-Soviet History
1954, Prime Minister Daoud allies himself with the Soviet Union for military aid to protect the Afghan-Pakistani border

 1963, Prime Minister Daoud claims Pakistani land which results in loss of Soviet help, King Zahir assumes power, and Daoud is forced to resign

 1973, King Zahir is overthrown by Daoud who resumes power with Soviet influence
But soon after, he changes policies against communist rule again

 1978, a coup attempt by Afghan Communist forces, Daoud is killed.

The Soviets recognize the new communist government, and invade in 1979 to support their rule

U.S. Intervention
U.S. gives weapons to the mujahideen, rebel fighters against the Soviets. The U.S. considers the Soviet intrusion on Afghanistan as an act to take away oil resources in the Middle East.

President Jimmy Carter

Warned the Soviets that an attempt to take any part of the Persian Gulf would be met with military force

 The U.S. only response to Soviet aggression was to limit grain shipments to the Soviet Union and boycotting the 1980 summer Olympic games in Moscow

1987 Soviets Withdraw

New Soviet regime led by Mikhail Gorbachev orders a withdrawal of troops
He acknowledged that the war was a devastating cost to both the Soviets and Afghans

The last troops left in Feb 1989

Devastation to Afghanistan
1 million died 5 million became refugees in neighboring countries Land wasted, economic production suffers

 Mujahideen unable to unite together politically

Results in many political divisions that give rise to the Taliban

 1989-1996: Internal fighting, and no dominant government 1994-1996: Taliban becomes a strong governmental system vowing to restore Islamic law and strict order

Soviet-Afghan War Results

U.S. diverted Communism in Afghanistan Soviets lose power in central Asia Afghanistan torn economically and politically Unstable Afghanistan becomes a spot to harbor terrorist groups like the Taliban