1. Cold War Conflict: AFGHANISTAN 1979-1989
The temperature is medium. The Soviets were involving themselves in a pre-existing war. After Vietnam we probably weren’t going to get involved.

3. 1979 : Civil War
Communist-based PDPA (People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan) has power
Prime Minister Amin gains leadership
Amin is pro-Western and rejects Muslim tradition
Majority of Afghans (strong Muslims) become outraged / anti-government

4. Mujahdeen Guerilla force on a holy mission for Allah
Declared “jihad” on Amin supporters
1,000’s of Afghan Muslims joined

5. Soviet hesitate to help…
Afghan gov. begs for assistance to fight off rebels
Soviets initially refuse to send troops
Still wanted to maintain power of Amin government
Soviet Leader Breshnev

6. C.I.A. sees opportunity!
President Carter authorizes SECRET aid to the rebels (Mujahdeen)
Goal was to induce Soviet military intervention
U.S. wanted the Soviets to have their own “Vietnam”

7. Soviet Invasion: X-mas 1979
Initial mission---guard cities and installations
Expanded into combat mission
United Nations condemned invasion in January 1980
1980 Moscow Olympics boycotted

8. Problems Soviet army had NO anti-guerrilla training
Not willing to admit they were fighting Afghan Civil War
Perceived as foreign invaders, “infidels”
Weather conditions / mountain terrain

9. 1989 : Russians retreat

10. Effects Taliban gains power
Contributed to rapid rise of Islamic fundamentalism in Central Asia
Russia’s economy weakened
Russian army demoralized / marginalized
Communist Party --- Delegitimized

11. And the winner is…
Who won?