The Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan

By Juliet Robles

A Quick Background

The Soviet Union had had relationships with Afghanistan in the

past. In the 1950’s, they helped to build railroads and irrigation

systems (Zhang, Jacobs). Then, in the early 1970’s, the monarchy

was overthrown and social reforms took place. During this time

the Soviet Union was in the middle of the Cold War.

A picture of Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital, before the Soviet Invasion (Tourism)

Why Afghanistan?There were many reasons for why the Soviet Union wanted to invade Afghanistan. Some of which included:

• The desire to control Southwest Asia. • To contain the Islamic revolutions going on in Iran from spreading

(Morini).• The Soviet Union wanted to “preserve” their communist government

(Zang, Jacobs)• The Soviet Union felt the need to keep Iran away from Afghanistan

The Invasion, Part 1• On December 24, 1979, the Soviet Union started their

invasion of Afghanistan. Kabul was quickly taken by more than 100 troops that had been deployed (Zang, Jacobs).

• The Soviets had “installed Babrak Karmal as their puppet leader (Zang, Jacobs)” during the time as well.

• The invasion started in Kabul and other urban areas, then stretched out into rural areas. However, here, the Soviets were met with resistance leaders.

“Soviet tanks roll into Afghanistan (On this Day)”

The Invasion, Part 2• The rural areas were filled with resistance fighters called the

Mujahideen (World: Analysis)• The Mujahideen were given money, weapons, and other

supplies from the United States.• Because the Mujahideen were located in the rural areas, they

suffered the most. (World: Analysis)• Due to the fighting in the rural areas, thousands of people

were killed.

The Soviet tanks continue to plow through Afghanistan.

(Soviet Tanks…)

(Hill)

Impact!During the time when the Soviets occupied Afghanistan, many changes were made. While some were accepted by the people, other changes were met with hostility, as they were seen as a disrespect for their culture.One very important change was in education. Education grew in young adults, particularly in Kabul. European nations began to help funding for more education programs (Bashiri).The Soviets attempted to change marriage policies, land reform, and other social aspects, but the changes were not accepted because they clashed with the people’s culture (History of Afghanistan).

The End of the Soviet RuleThe Soviet rule ended in Afghanistan in 1989 (Zang, Jacobs). There were three main reasons for their withdrawal from the country:1. The Soviet Union was being pressured into doing so by other

nations (Zang, Jacobs).2. The war had “become a domestic burden and an

international embarassment for Moscow. (Keller)”3. Over 15,000 lives were lost on their side, and billions were

lost in rubles (Keller).

The ruins of Kabul after the Soviets had left.

(Bashiri)

Works Cited

Bashiri, Iraj. "Kabul." N.p., 2003. Web. 17 Oct. 2012.

Hill, Craig. "December 24 1979 Soviet Tanks Enter Afghanistan." Craig Hill. N.p., 24 Dec. 2011. Web. 17 Oct. 2012.

"History of Afghanistan." WorldRover. N.p., 1994. Web. 16 Oct. 2012.

Keller, Bill. "Last Soviet Soldiers Leave Afghanistan." The New York Times 16 Feb. 1989: n. pag. The New York Times on the Web. The New York Times. Web. 16 Oct. 2012.

Morini, Daryl. "Why Did the Soviet Union Invade Afghanistan?" E-International Relationships. N.p., 03 Jan. 2010. Web. 15 Oct. 2012.

"On This Day: December 24, 1979." Recorder Online. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Oct. 2012.

"SOVIET TANKS ROLL INTO AFGHANISTAN." Milkintheclock.com News Network. N.p., 24 Dec. 2008. Web. 17 Oct. 2012.

"Tourism." Ministry of Foreign Affairs. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Oct. 2012.

"World: Analysis Afghanistan: 20 Years of Bloodshed." BBC Online Network. BBC News, 26 Apr. 1996. Web. 15 Oct. 2012.

Zang, Shou, and Mike Jacobs. "The Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan." N.p., Dec. 2001. Web. 15 Oct. 2012.