1. The Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989)

2. Origins
The Soviets had been giving economic aid to Afghanistan since the 1950s
1960s-1970s- Series of unstable governments
1978 The People’s Democratic Party seized power
The PDP was Pro-Soviet
The PDP was very unpopular
Most did not support reforms in education, women’s rights, land redistribution
Viewed as anti-Muslim
Most opposed a strong central government

3. Soviet Intervention
By 1979 widespread uprisings against the PDP; Islamic leader declared Jihad; and formed the Mujahedin
Sept Coup within the PDP; Soviets did not trust the new leader Hafizullah Amin
By late 1979, Soviets believed that massive economic & military aid to PDP was not enough
Soviet Concerns
Spread of US influence (US already had close relations with Pakistan)
Spread of Islamic revolution (following Iran)
Loss of prestige (Eastern Europe)

4. The Brezhnev Doctrine (1968)
"When forces that are hostile to socialism try to turn the development of some socialist country towards capitalism, it becomes not only a problem of the country concerned, but a common problem and concern of all socialist countries."

5. Soviet Invasion
Dec Soviet sent 30,000 troops into Afghanistan; killed Amin & replaced him with Babrak Kamal
Soviet-backed government controlled Kabul, but 80% of Afghanistan ruled by local Mujahedin
Harsh terrain limited the role of Soviet tanks and technology
Afghan allies were not very loyal to the Soviets
“Arab-Afghans” entered from many countries to fight Jihad
E.g. Osama Bin Laden

6. US Intervention
US reacted swiftly; President Carter led international condemnation
Several countries aided the Mujahedin with weapons & money; CIA training
1985- President Reagan began a significant increase in US aid; goal changed from harassment to defeat of Soviets
$2 billion in aid from US
Stinger missiles
Training
Propaganda in Islamic areas of the USSR
Stinger missiles proved very effective against Soviet attack helicopters

7. Soviet Withdrawal
Soviets suffered heavy casualties (over 25,000 killed)
Economic struggles in the USSR
New philosophy of Mikhail Gorbachev
Feb Soviets out of Afghanistan
Civil war continued in Afghanistan
By 1996 The Taliban had established strict Islamic law throughout most of Afghanistan

8. Results 1980s- The “Second Cold War”
Soviet failure in Afghanistan contributed to their downfall
Economic strains
Loss of military prestige
Nationalism in the republics
Strengthening of radical Islamic movement
E.g. al Qaeda