The Domino Effect Of The Soviet-Afghan War

Afghanistan has always been a prey to invasions and warfare. It has been through wars, coups, riots in order to find its own political identity and to become a safe country for its people. This is in fact true for many other countries. However, one thing that makes Afghanistan different is its modern state. It is not a powerful, beautiful country like any other countries. Inside, it is the very definition of turmoil and depression. Although there might be many reasons why this is true, the primary reason, the reason that became the trigger of their fall, is the Soviet-Afghan war. The Soviet-Afghan war impacted the political events and the culture of Afghanistan by becoming the domino effect that triggered other horrible events such as chaos,
The war was first triggered because the Afghan people were unhappy with their communist government. An article about the Soviet-Afghan war states that, “The new government, which had little popular support, forged close ties with the Soviet Union, launched ruthless purges of all domestic opposition” (“Soviet Invasion”). This illustrates that the government wanted a stronger control of their people and that as long as their purpose is achieved, violence is necessary. Eventually, these constant abuse lead to the rise of anti-communist, islamic citizens called the Mujahideens. These groups along with dissenters from the citizens were the reasons that triggered the Soviets to invade Afghanistan. Therefore, on December 1979, the Soviets with 30,000 troops attacked Afghanistan and “ tried to crush the insurgency by various tactics, but the guerrillas generally eluded their attacks” (“Soviet Invasion”). Even though they were powerless, their hopes for a better future and their strong religious belief prevailed in this situation. The guerillas were an unstoppable heroes to the country in a dire state. The Soviets even went as far as to bomb the areas that housed and supported the Mujahideens. However, with the help from the United states and other muslim countries, they were able to subdue the attacks from the
According to Horia Mosadiq, “‘Afghan women were the ones who lost most from the war and militarisation’” (“Women in Afghanistan”). This statement is evident from the lost of rights many women faced when the Taliban regime started. Before the invasion it is stated that these women were seen ”wearing miniskirts” and even going to the “cinema” (“Women in Afghanistan”). The freedom women had in these days are just as prominent if not more than what women had in the United states. Additionally, this shows the Taliban’s thirst for power as they quenced the voices of the “weaker” sex by preventing them for being seen nor heard. Some of these rights include the “ right to work, the right to go to school, the right to show their skin in public” (“Women in Afghanistan”), etc. Despite these strict regulations, women in Afghanistan still remain strong to this day. Nothing will happen unless the women get their fair share of