End of the Afghan War

• Withdrawal of Soviet troops


  Massive casualties and public opposition to war (Glasnost) allowed people to express anti-gov opinions and very expensive war of attrition.

  • Affected by American supply of weapons to Afghan mujaheddin guerrilla fighters.
  • End to Brezhnev Doctrine was crucial globally to prevent communism.
  • Shevardnadze emphasised how the war was damaging their image.