Causes of Soviet Intervention in Afghanistan

Conflict and the International System

[Name of the instructor]

October 30, 2012Executive Summary

The Soviet Union began receiving requests from the government of Afghanistan during 1953 for economic and military assistance. The growing insurgency and rebellious groups were a threat to the stability of the current government. The present government based on ideas of modernism was facing strong resistance from religiously conservative groups and from the majority of population. On the opposing side of this modernism were the Mujahideen, who wanted an Islamic government inside Afghanistan. The present Afghan government invited the Soviet Union to assist them in handling the worsening situation and to control the growing instability. The Soviet Union took this as a chance to have a control over their neighbouring country which would eventually secure their border too. The situation worsened when the Mujahideen announced a holy war against the intruders and against the modernized government. United States took this opportunity to supply the Mujahideen with weapons, because of their rivalry with Soviet Union. Pakistan provided the Mujahideen with training because the present Afghan government was a threat to Pakistan's national security. Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979 and not familiar with the terrain and harsh climate, they found it hard to sustain the war. On the other hand, the Mujahideen were mountainous people and mastered the art of guerrilla warfare. They not only made it hard for the Soviets to fight but they also pushed the Soviets to pull out. The pullout meant that the current government of Afghanistan stood dissolved and the Mujahideen imposed a new Islamic government in Afghanistan.

Table of Contents

Introduction4

Discussion4

Background4

The Saur Revolution5

Demand for Deployment6

Causes of Intervention7

International Response10

Post Intervention10

Conclusion11

End Notes12

Causes of Soviet Intervention in Afghanistan

Introduction

The Soviet Union's Intervention in Afghanistan initiated when the Communist Government of Afghanistan invited the Soviets for military assistance in resisting against the Mujahideen. The Soviets welcomed the invitation, and the war initiated in 1979. The United States and a few other nations equipped the Mujahideen with weapons, particularly the Stinger Anti-Air Missile, to stand against Afghan and Soviet Forces. As Soviet Helicopters turn out to be more susceptible to the Stinger Missiles, the Soviets opted to engage the 'MiG Fighter Jets' more frequently and as a result, dropped anti personal mines on Mujahideen locations from a reasonable range. Also, the Soviets were not familiar to the art of mountain warfare, and to such narrow roads, which were likelihood for surprise attacks. After 10 years of unsuccessful fighting in which they acquired very little, the Soviet Union decided to pull out in 1989. Almost 15,000 Soviets died in the War while an estimated number of one million Afghanis perished. The Soviet War in Afghanistan was one of the terminating events that led to the downfall and disbursement of the USSR.

Discussion

Background

Starting in 1953, USSR began receiving Afghanistan's demand for economic and military assistance. Because of leftist leader Hafizullah Amin had recently taken control of the country, during the 1970's, violent revolts took place and the Afghan army was in fear ...