A Brutal Civil War

The Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan: A Turning Point in History

A Brutal Civil War

In 1979, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, triggering a brutal civil war that lasted for over a decade. The invasion had a profound impact on both Afghanistan and the Soviet Union, and it is widely seen as a turning point in history.

Supporting a Communist Regime

The Soviet Union's Motives

The Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan was motivated by a number of factors, including the desire to support a communist regime in the country and to suppress a growing Islamic insurgency. The Soviet Union was also concerned about the potential for Afghanistan to become a base for anti-Soviet activity in the region.

A Proxy War

The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan quickly escalated into a proxy war between the Soviet Union and the United States. The United States provided support to the Afghan mujahideen, who were fighting against the Soviet-backed government. The war lasted for over a decade and resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Afghans.

The Collapse of the Soviet Union

The Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan is widely seen as a key factor in the collapse of the Soviet Union. The war was a costly and unpopular venture, and it drained the Soviet economy. The Soviet Union was also unable to defeat the Afghan mujahideen, who were supported by the United States and other Western powers.

The Soviet Union's withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989 was a major blow to the prestige of the Soviet Union. The war also contributed to the rise of anti-Soviet sentiment within the Soviet Union, which eventually led to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.