USSR defeat in Afghanistan

Role of Afghanistan War

Background

• In 1978, Afghanistan experienced a Communist revolution, known as the Saur Revolution.
• New reforms angered conservative groups in the country, sparking civil unrest.

The Brezhnev Doctrine and Soviet Invasion

• Following its policy known as the Brezhnev Doctrine, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan on December 24, 1979, with around 100,000 troops.
• The invasion was officially a response to a request for help from the Afghan government.

Impact on U.S.-Soviet Relations

• The U.S. condemned the invasion, ending the era of détente and refusing to participate in the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
• This worsened Soviet economic conditions but wasn't catastrophic, as only about 1% of Soviet trade was with the U.S.

The War's Progress

• The Soviets fought against the Mujahedeen, who used guerrilla tactics.
• Soviet methods included helicopter attacks, ground troops, and using the Afghan secret police (KHAD) for intelligence.
• Despite this, the Mujahedeen, armed by the U.S. and other countries, remained a formidable force.

Costs and Casualties

• Over 14,000 Soviet soldiers died, and 451 Soviet aircraft were destroyed, damaging Soviet pride and military reputation.
• Despite this, the USSR remained a military superpower with significant nuclear capabilities.

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USSR defeat in Afghanistan

Attempts to End the War

• Various countries, including the USSR, USA, and Pakistan, sought an end to the conflict.
• New Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev initiated troop withdrawal starting in May 1988, completed by February 1989.

Impact on the Cold War

• The war aggravated poverty in the USSR and Eastern Europe, contributing to public protests.
• However, mass protests were controlled and limited, thus limiting their overall impact.

Conclusion

The Afghanistan War was a pivotal moment that weakened the USSR economically and militarily, but it was just one of several factors that led to the end of the Cold War.