Afganistan and the Second Cold War

• What was the main consequence of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?

  It drastically changed relations between East and West.
• Why did the USA view a Soviet-occupied Afghanistan as a threat?

  It threatened India and Pakistan and could control much of the West's oil supplies.
• What were the two main reasons for the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?

  To prevent the collapse of a neighboring socialist state and to limit US influence on its borders.
• Who became President of the Revolutionary Council after the PDPA overthrew the Afghan government?

  Nur Muhammad Taraki.
• What type of reform program did the PDPA impose during its first 18 months of rule?

  A communist-style reform program.
• What happened to many members of the traditional élite under the PDPA's rule?

  They were imprisoned, tortured, or murdered.
• What led to the rise of the mujahideen in Afghanistan?

  The anti-Muslim policies of Hafizullah Amin's government.
• What did the mujahideen declare against Amin's supporters?

  A jihad, or holy war.
• How did Amin's regime become dependent on the Soviet Union?

  Through increased military assistance and reliance on Soviet equipment and advisers.
• What was Brezhnev's concern regarding Islamic fundamentalism?


  He wanted to show Soviet Muslims that there would be no changes to the Soviet system.
• When did the Soviet troops invade Afghanistan?

  Between 25 December 1979 and 1 January 1980.
• What justification did Brezhnev give for the Soviet invasion?

  He claimed it was in compliance with the 1978 Treaty of Friendship.
• Who replaced Amin after he was shot on 27 December 1979?

  Babrak Kamal.
• How many Soviet soldiers were required to keep the Kamal government in power?

  85,000 Soviet soldiers.
• What was the situation for US President Carter in November 1979?


  He was under pressure due to the hostage crisis in Iran.
• What was the Carter Doctrine?

  A policy stating the USA would use military force to defend its interests in the Persian Gulf.
• What military force did Carter propose to create as part of the Carter Doctrine?

  A quick-strike military force known as the Rapid Deployment Force.
• What actions did the USA take against the Soviet Union following the invasion of Afghanistan?

  They cancelled grain shipments and forbade high technology sales to the Soviet Union.
• What was President Carter's controversial decision regarding the 1980 Olympics?


  To pressure the US Olympic Committee to boycott the Moscow Olympic Games.
• How many countries followed the USA's example in boycotting the Moscow Olympics?

  61 other countries.
• What was the impact of the boycott on the Olympic Games?

  It intruded international superpower politics into the Olympics.
• What nickname did the American press give to Russia's Olympic mascot?

  Gulag Bear.
• What was the outcome of Carter's actions regarding Soviet troops in Afghanistan?

  They did not force Soviet troops to leave Afghanistan.
• What did the invasion of Afghanistan signify for détente?

  It marked the end of détente.
• Who defeated Carter in the 1980 presidential election?

  Ronald Reagan.
• What was the major emphasis of Reagan's foreign policy?

  Fighting communism.
• How did Reagan's approach to the Soviet Union differ from Carter's?

  Reagan took a far tougher line with the Soviet Union.
• What was the cost of the US defense program announced by Reagan between 1981 and 1987?

  More than a trillion dollars.
• What were the key components of Reagan's defense program?

  • 100 MX missiles
  • 100 B-1 long-range bombers
  • New stealth bomber
  • Six Trident nuclear submarines
  • Strengthening military communications
  • Development of the neutron bomb
• What was the USA's response to the deployment of Soviet SS20 missiles?

  They decided to place cruise missiles in Western Europe.
• What was the NUTS strategy proposed by Reagan's advisers?

  To direct weapons at the opponent's warheads rather than their cities.
• What was the MAD theory accepted by both superpowers?

  It was the belief that nuclear weapons made each side more secure and less likely to attack.
• What was Reagan's 'zero option' proposal?

  To cancel new US missiles in Europe in exchange for Soviet dismantling of comparable forces.
• How did Brezhnev respond to Reagan's 'zero option'?

  He rejected the offer.
• What was the significance of Reagan's 'evil empire' speech?

  It marked a shift in rhetoric against the Soviet Union.
• What was the USA's response to the Polish government in 1982?

  They criticized the heavy-handed approach and banned hi-tech trade with the Soviet Union.
• What was the Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI) proposed by Reagan?

  A plan for a ground- and space-based anti-ballistic missile system.
• How did Andropov respond to the announcement of SDI?

  He accused the USA of preparing for a first strike attack.
• What challenges did SDI present for the Soviet Union?

  It required increased spending on armaments, straining their economy.
• What was the state of the Soviet economy in the early 1980s?

  It was experiencing problems.