The Soviet-Afghan War, which lasted from 1979 to 1989, is a pivotal period in the history of the Cold War. It is marked by a complex interplay of political ideologies, regional dynamics, and global power struggles. The conflict was started by the Soviet Union intervening in Afghanistan to support a failing socialistic government, but it quickly grew into a long, complex struggle that shaped the course of events that followed.
The Soviet perspective on the war is that it was an effort to stabilize a socialist ally, stop the spirit of Islamic fundamentalism, and protect strategic interests; however, the intervention was difficult and expensive, which contributed to the economic strain that led to the Soviet Union’s demise. The war reverberated beyond Afghanistan, influencing the global geopolitical landscape and contributing to the end of the Cold War. On the Afghan front, the conflict unfolded as a brutal occupation that sparked widespread resistance from various factions, particularly the mujahedeen. These factions, which received substantial support from the United States and its allies, engaged in guerrilla warfare, which resulted in a devastating toll on civilian lives and infrastructure.
The war left Afghanistan in a state of political instability, laying the groundwork for subsequent internal strife and intervention from outside the country. The Afghan people bore the brunt of the conflict, experiencing displacement, loss, and lasting long-term consequences.
The Soviet Afghan War, with its multifaceted snare of inspiration and outcomes, remains a demonstration of the intricacies of international maneuvering. It fills in as a useful example of the accidental repercussions of unfamiliar foreign intervention and the versatility of the nearby populace despite occupation. Understanding this contention requires a nuanced assessment of the point of view, including recognizing the human expense and durable effect on Afghans direction and the more extensive worldwide scene.
The writer is a student of “Government and Public Policy” at the “National Defence University Islamabad” and a member of PYDIR.