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Period: to
Significant Dates of Soviet-Afghan War
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Saur Revolution (Rise of Marxist PDPA)
The Saur Revolution marks the start of Communist rule in Afghanistan through a Coup d'Etat which placed Communist People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) -
Request from Afghan for Soviet Intervention
As the civil war in Afghanistan escalated, The Taraki-government requested for a soviet intervention to help contain the increasing opposition to his rule. Karmal (in picture), who was appointed president by the Soviet in1980, was thought to be present in the meeting. -
Soviet deployment
Under President Brezhnev rule, the decision to deploy Soviet troops in Afghanistan was an unpopular decision -
The role of CIA and ISI
USA supported the mujahideen and gained access through the Inter-Services Intelligence of Pakistan. Increased tension between the USSR and USA. Increased difficulty in Soviet troops' withdrawal. -
Death of Brezhnev
In the midst of the war, General Secretary Brezhnev died. This sparked the reshuffling of candidacy in the Communist party of the Soviet Union following the quick reign of his 2 successors due to death. In his later years, Brezhnev was for the withdrawal of troops from the Aghan war but was hesitant not to lose Soviet sovereignty. -
Mikhail Gorbachev
Following the death of Chernenko, Gorbachev was appointed the General Secretary. His rule was troubled by weakening of USSR's economy as well as portfolio of the Soviet-Afghan war. -
Ready for Withdrawal
By January 1987, the Soviet Army had transferred the management of war to the Aghan armed forces. Even though the rebels were increasing in strength, the cost of war proved to be too much for the Soviets. -
End of Soviet War
April 15, 1989, marked the end of the Soviet War. a huge humiliation for the Soviets.
