The Soviet-Afghan War 1979-89: A Guide to Understanding the Conflict

The Soviet-Afghan War, which lasted from 1979 to 1989, remains one of the most significant conflicts of the 20th century. This guide aims to provide a detailed overview of the war, its causes, key events, and its lasting impact on both Afghanistan and the Soviet Union. By delving deeper into this often overlooked chapter of world history, we can gain a better understanding of the complexities surrounding the conflict and its ramifications in the present day.

The Background

In order to comprehend the Soviet-Afghan War, it is imperative to grasp the complex historical context that led to its outbreak. We delve into the long-standing tensions between Afghanistan and the Soviet Union, exploring the ideological and geopolitical factors that ultimately led to the invasion.

The Soviet–Afghan War 1979–89 (Guide to...)

by Gregory Fremont-Barnes(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10702 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	106 pages

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The Soviet Invasion

The Soviet Union's decision to invade Afghanistan in December 1979 marked a turning point in the conflict. This section provides an in-depth analysis of the invasion, including the objectives of the Soviet forces, their strategies, and the initial response from the Afghan resistance.

The Mujahideen and Their Struggle

The Afghan resistance movement, commonly known as the Mujahideen, played a crucial role in countering the Soviet occupation. Here, we delve into the origins and composition of the Mujahideen, their tactics, and their efforts to secure support from the international community.

The War's Impact on Afghanistan

Over the course of a decade, Afghanistan experienced significant infrastructural damage, a devastating loss of life, and an ongoing cycle of violence. In this section, we explore the consequences of the war on the Afghan people, their society, and the long-term implications for the nation's development.

The Soviet Union's Perspective

While the Soviet Union sought to establish control over Afghanistan, the war gradually evolved into a quagmire that put immense strain on the country's resources and military capabilities. This segment examines the political, economic, and social ramifications of the war on the Soviet Union, contributing to its ultimate demise.

The International Response and the End of the War

Throughout the conflict, the Soviet-Afghan War captured the attention of the international community. This part of the guide discusses the responses of major world powers, diplomatic efforts, and the eventual withdrawal of Soviet troops in 1989.

The Legacy of the Soviet-Afghan War

The repercussions of the Soviet-Afghan War continue to reverberate throughout the region, shaping Afghanistan's socio-political landscape as well as influencing broader global dynamics. Concluding the guide, we examine the lasting impact of the war and its relevance in current international affairs.

By understanding the complexities of the Soviet-Afghan War, we gain valuable insights into the intricacies of modern conflicts and the importance of diplomatic solutions in averting further humanitarian crises.

The Soviet–Afghan War 1979–89 (Guide to...)

by Gregory Fremont-Barnes(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10702 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	106 pages

FREE

The Soviet invasion of its neighbour Afghanistan in December 1979 sparked a bloody nine-year conflict in that country until Soviet forces withdrew in 1988–89, dooming the communist Afghanistan government to defeat at the hands of the Mujahideen, the Afghan popular resistance backed by the USA and other powers. The Soviet invasion had enormous implications on the global stage; it prompted the US Senate to refuse to ratify the hard-won SALT II arms-limitation treaty, and the USA and 64 other countries boycotted the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics. For Afghanistan, the invasion served to prolong the interminable civil war that pitted central government against the regions and faction against faction. The country remains locked in conflict over 30 years later, with no end in sight. Featuring specially drawn mapping and drawing upon a wide range of sources, this succinct account explains the origins, history and consequences of the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan, thereby shedding new light on the more recent history – and prospects – of that troubled country.