Soviet invasion of Afghanistan

• • USSR interested in Afghanistan as country bordered USSR
  • USSR did not want to let Muslim Fundementalism spread into USSR
• • Invasion of Afghanistan ended detente
• Invasion:

  • 1978 - USSR supported communist takeover of government in Kabul
  • Many normal Afghans rejected government due to odds with Muslim population and atheist government
  • Communist tortured Muslim religious leaders
  • Mujahideen - anti communist group - created
  • 1979 - Afghan politican, Amin, took control of Afghanistan, had talks with USA
  • alarmed USSR, did not want USA influence on border
  • USSR invaded Afghanistan, installed pro-Moscow leader, Barbak Kamal
• Challenges faced by USSR in Afghanistan:

  • Soviet army not prepared for desert and mountain landscapes of Afghanistan
  • Mujahideen had good knowledge of country's landscape as advantage
  • Mujahideen motivated to fight against foreigns and fight for home
• American response to Soviet invasion:

  • end of detente
  • Carter Doctrine: USA prepared to use force to stop any country from gaining control over oil rich stated of Middle East
  • Carter formed alliance with China to support Mujahideen
  • USA refused to sign SALT II
  • Cancelled trade between USA and USSR
  • USA boycotted Moscow Olympics in 1980
  • USSR boycotted Los Angeles Olympics in 1984