Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan
Michael Harris
English II Honors
May 19th, 2013
Montgomery
The Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan On April of 1978, the Afghan central government was just overthrown their own leader, Mohammad Duad Khan. A group of military officials on a quest for power led by Nur Mohammad Taraki, a distinct military general. To replace Duad Khan, two Marxist political groups fill in. The Khalq, or the people’s political group, and the Parcham, the Banner Party. “The new government, which had little popular support, forged close ties with the Soviet Union…”(Britannica pg.1) These new political parties, had a deep hatred for Muslim community and the anticommunist groups and organizations. These, shunned by the new Afghan government, were known as the Mujahedeen, “those who engage in Jihad.”(Britannica pg.1) Internal fighting broke out amongst the People’s and Banner parties began to cripple the country of Afghanistan from the inside out. This called for some outside “help” “On the night of December 24th, 1979, the Soviet Union invaded, sending in over 30,000 troops…” (PBS) They Soviet forces quickly overthrew the brief leader of the People’s party, Hafizullah Amin. “The aim of the Soviet operation was to prop up their new but faltering client state…” (Britannica pg.1) This puppet leader was known as Babrak Karmal. “But Karmal was unable to attain significant support.” Supported by the U.S, the Mujahedeen rebellion began to grow exponentially. The U.S provided the Mujahedeen with weapons, ammunition, food and millions in support money. This eventually led to the rise of terrorist and extremist groups in and around Afghanistan. “The Soviets initially left the suppression of the rebellion to the Afghan army, but the latter was beset by mass desertions and remained largely ineffective throughout the war. Eventually the war in Afghanistan began to “settle out”. With over 100,000 Soviet troops controlling many areas including; cities, large towns, and garrisons and barracks of
English II Honors
May 19th, 2013
Montgomery
The Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan On April of 1978, the Afghan central government was just overthrown their own leader, Mohammad Duad Khan. A group of military officials on a quest for power led by Nur Mohammad Taraki, a distinct military general. To replace Duad Khan, two Marxist political groups fill in. The Khalq, or the people’s political group, and the Parcham, the Banner Party. “The new government, which had little popular support, forged close ties with the Soviet Union…”(Britannica pg.1) These new political parties, had a deep hatred for Muslim community and the anticommunist groups and organizations. These, shunned by the new Afghan government, were known as the Mujahedeen, “those who engage in Jihad.”(Britannica pg.1) Internal fighting broke out amongst the People’s and Banner parties began to cripple the country of Afghanistan from the inside out. This called for some outside “help” “On the night of December 24th, 1979, the Soviet Union invaded, sending in over 30,000 troops…” (PBS) They Soviet forces quickly overthrew the brief leader of the People’s party, Hafizullah Amin. “The aim of the Soviet operation was to prop up their new but faltering client state…” (Britannica pg.1) This puppet leader was known as Babrak Karmal. “But Karmal was unable to attain significant support.” Supported by the U.S, the Mujahedeen rebellion began to grow exponentially. The U.S provided the Mujahedeen with weapons, ammunition, food and millions in support money. This eventually led to the rise of terrorist and extremist groups in and around Afghanistan. “The Soviets initially left the suppression of the rebellion to the Afghan army, but the latter was beset by mass desertions and remained largely ineffective throughout the war. Eventually the war in Afghanistan began to “settle out”. With over 100,000 Soviet troops controlling many areas including; cities, large towns, and garrisons and barracks of