Soviet Invasion Of Afghanistan, 1979
Notes
- Soviets wanted to influence region and fit their southern expansion policy
- Sept. 1979, Soviets invaded and installed Babrak Karmal as a puppet President
- The West, China and India were alarmed and many boycotted the 1980 Moscow Olympics because of it
- The invasion and Reagan being elected are seen as the ends of détente
- Soviets opposed by rebels called the Mujaheddin
- By 1985 Soviets had 100,000 troops here
- 1987 Karmal replaced by Mohammed Najibullah who was even more of a puppet
- Soviets accused of practicing inhumane types of warfare (ie. Chemical)
- Soviets eventually withdrew
- Many parallels to the U.S. in Vietnam
Summary
When the Soviets invaded Afghanistan, they wanted to have influence in the regions there and promote the spread of communism. in September 1979, They installed Babrak Karmal as a puppet Leader. The west, as well as China, India were alarmed, and many boycotted the 1980 Olympics in Moscow. This along with The election of Reagan symbol the end of Détente. By 1985 the Soviets had 100'000 troop in Afghanistan. They were also accused of using inhumane warfare, and eventually they withdrew. This attack has been compared to the Vietnam war for the Americans.
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Subjunctive Question
Do you think that the Russians had other unspoken motives for going into Afghanistan?
Political Cartoon
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Quote
"In the Soviet army it takes more courage to retreat than advance"
- Joseph Stalin
- Joseph Stalin