Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan, 1979

• Flashpoint between East and West (1) :

  • USSR sent military support into Afghanistan to ensure a communist friendly government remained in power. In 1978 a new government led by the Peoples’ Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) was established by Taraki. The Soviet military assistant programme had been set up in Afghanistan to hold this government in power. There had been many changes made in Afghanistan under this new hard-line socialist government, including the arrest, torture and murder of the traditional elite of Afghanistan, which comprised of leading Muslims
• flashpoint between east and west 2:

  • In September 1979, the Deputy Prime Minister, Amin took control fearing rebellion under Taraki but his policies were as unpopular as they were still anti-muslim. In response, thousands of Afghans joined the mujahideen – a Guerrilla movement claiming to be on a holy mission from Allah to overthrow Amin. The mujahedeen declared a jihad (holy war) on the supporters of Amin.
• flashpoint between east and west 3:

  • To hold Amin’s administration in power and ensure a Communist neighbour, the Soviet military assistance programme increased support and advisors. Amin feared dependence on the USSR, and so alienation from the USA. So Amin aimed to improve links with the USA. This concerned the USSR who feared US influence. Also, Brezhnev feared the growing Islamic fundamentalism – he needed to show the 30 million Muslims living in the USSR there would be no changes to the way the USSR was run.
• Between 25 December 1979 and 1 January 1980 50,000 Soviet troops were sent to Afghanistan to restore order and protect the PDP from the mujahdeen. Brezhnev explained his action as upholding the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Good Neighbourliness signed with President Taraki in 1978.
• Amin was shot on 27 December – replaced by Kamal who had been in exile in the USSR. His position was entirely dependent on Soviet military support. In response many Afghan soldiers defected to the mujahedeen so over 85,000 Soviet soldiers were needed to control the country
• Carter doctrine 1980


  • USAtook a tough stance with a view to protecting national interests in the Persian Gulf, which the USA relied on for supplies of oil. In direct response to weakness of response to the Iran hostage crisis in 1978-9, Carter was determined to protect the US interests in the Middle East from communism. There was fear that India and Pakistan were close and these too could be threatened by the USSR. Carter Doctrine promised support to any countries bordering Afghanistan.
• 1. Carter set up a quick-strike military force that could be available anywhere in the world (Rapid Deployment Force). Draft registration of all 18-20 year old men; Congress to allow CIA to gather intelligence.
• END OF DÉTENTe (consequence of invasion)

  • Non ratification of SALT II Treaty in 1979 by US Senate at request of Carter
  • Economic boycotts – not allowing shipments of grain to the USSR; US companies not able to sell computers or technological equipment in USSR
  • Military assistance given to the mujahedeen to fight the Soviet invaders by the USA
  • Olympic Boycott – 1980 boycott of the Moscow Olympics. 61 other countries followed suit so showing end to cooperation under the Helsinki Agreement of 1975
  • USSR REMAINED IN AFGHANISTAN SO THE PRESSURE DID NOT CHANGE ACTION OF THE USSR