1. The Soviet-Afghan War A Hot Conflict during the Cold War [The Soviet’s Vietnam] OBJ: The students will describe the Soviet-Afghan War.

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

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

4. 1963, Prime Minister Daoud claims Pakistani land which results in loss of Soviet help, King Zahir assumes power, and Daoud is forced to resign

5. 1973, King Zahir is overthrown by Daoud who resumes power with Soviet influence –But soon after, he changes policies against communist rule again

6. 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

7. 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.

8. President Jimmy Carter Warned the Soviets that an attempt to take any part of the Persian Gulf would be met with military force

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. Mujahideen unable to unite together politically –Results in many political divisions that give rise to the Taliban

13. 1989-1996: Internal fighting, and no dominant government 1994-1996: Taliban becomes a strong governmental system vowing to restore Islamic law and strict order

14. 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