The Soviet Union Invades Afghanistan
In 1953 The United States created an alliance with Pakistan which worried the Soviet Union. To counter the U.S., the U.S.S.R. created military ties with Afghanistan. The Soviet Union made this alliance not only to upset the United States, but to build a key position towards Asia.
Turmoil had started in Afghanistan when the Tribal regions and the Central Government revolted against the leading monarchy. This revolt, known as the Saur Revolution, was successful in demolishing the King and replacing him with a Democratic Party. The Democratic Party was not as strong and successful as once hoped, and it ended up splitting into two sides. The stronger side was led by Taraki, who became president of Afghanistan. The Tribal Extremist groups were not pleased with Taraki's leadership and begun to revolt. The chaos turned into a civil war. During the civil war, Taraki was killed and his Deputy Prime Minister, Amin took control. Amin signed a Friendship Treaty with the Soviet Union, agreeing that if Afghanistan needed help, they would allow the Soviets to provide assistance. Afghan leader, Amin, requested help in 1979, but was greatly shocked when the Soviet Union instead, invaded with millions of tanks and men. They appointed Kamal Barbak as the new leader, but in general, they made conditions worse for the citizens. The Soviets held trials to kill anyone who tried outspoke against them, and were very harsh with the people. The United States wanted to make the Soviets have a short and painful experience in the country, so they backed the Mujahideen, or Afghan freedom fighters. They provided them with equipment that was able to set the Soviets back and eventually withdraw in 1989. When the Soviets left, the Mujahideen continued to fight until Barbak was removed from office. Kamal Barbak and the Soviet Union left a shattered country with a hostile Taliban government in charge.
Turmoil had started in Afghanistan when the Tribal regions and the Central Government revolted against the leading monarchy. This revolt, known as the Saur Revolution, was successful in demolishing the King and replacing him with a Democratic Party. The Democratic Party was not as strong and successful as once hoped, and it ended up splitting into two sides. The stronger side was led by Taraki, who became president of Afghanistan. The Tribal Extremist groups were not pleased with Taraki's leadership and begun to revolt. The chaos turned into a civil war. During the civil war, Taraki was killed and his Deputy Prime Minister, Amin took control. Amin signed a Friendship Treaty with the Soviet Union, agreeing that if Afghanistan needed help, they would allow the Soviets to provide assistance. Afghan leader, Amin, requested help in 1979, but was greatly shocked when the Soviet Union instead, invaded with millions of tanks and men. They appointed Kamal Barbak as the new leader, but in general, they made conditions worse for the citizens. The Soviets held trials to kill anyone who tried outspoke against them, and were very harsh with the people. The United States wanted to make the Soviets have a short and painful experience in the country, so they backed the Mujahideen, or Afghan freedom fighters. They provided them with equipment that was able to set the Soviets back and eventually withdraw in 1989. When the Soviets left, the Mujahideen continued to fight until Barbak was removed from office. Kamal Barbak and the Soviet Union left a shattered country with a hostile Taliban government in charge.
"File:BMD-1 in Afghanistan.jpg." 1986. Wikipedia. Web. 18 Apr. 2015.
<https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BMD-1_in_Afganistan.JPG#mw-jump-to-license>.
Kybakne, E., "File:Afghan prisoners in Vardak 1987.jpg" 2009. Wikipedia. Web. 18 Apr. 2015.
<https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Afgan_prisoners_in_Vardak_1987.jpg#mw-jump-to-license>.
"File:SovietInvasionAfghanistanMap.png" 2007. Wikipedia. Web. 18 Apr. 2015.
<https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:SovietInvasionAfghanistanMap.png#mw-jump-to-license>.
<https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BMD-1_in_Afganistan.JPG#mw-jump-to-license>.
Kybakne, E., "File:Afghan prisoners in Vardak 1987.jpg" 2009. Wikipedia. Web. 18 Apr. 2015.
<https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Afgan_prisoners_in_Vardak_1987.jpg#mw-jump-to-license>.
"File:SovietInvasionAfghanistanMap.png" 2007. Wikipedia. Web. 18 Apr. 2015.
<https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:SovietInvasionAfghanistanMap.png#mw-jump-to-license>.