Proxy Wars- Set 4b (Africa and Middle East )

Key terms set 4a

Angolan Civil War

1975-2002:

Between three factions: MPLA, UNITA, and FNLA.

One of the longest and most destructive proxy war. Heavy Cuban troop presence.

Mercenaries (Angola)

Hired fires (mostly Western or South African) used by anti-communist forces. Symbol of Cold War neocolonialism.

Ogaden War

1977-1978:

Conflict between Ethiopia and Somalia over the Ogaden region. USSR switched sides mid-conflict (Somalia — Ethiopia) Cuban troops fought for Ethiopia under the communist Derg.

Derg (Ethiopia)

Marxist military junta that overthrew Emperor Haile Selassie in 1974. Ruled Ethiopia as a brutal dictatorship, aligned with USSR. Leader Mengistu Haile Mariam. Received aid from USSR and Cuba.

Mujahedeen

Afghan Islamic resistance fighters against the Soviet invasion. Backed by US (CIA) in Operation Cyclone. Included future Taliban and Al-Qaeda fighters. Seen as freedom fighters at the time, but had a controversial long-term legacy.

Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan

1979: USSR invaded to support communist Afghan government.

US response: boycott of 1980 Olympics, embargo, massive aid to Mujahedeen.

Known as “Soviet Vietnam”

Third world

countries not aligned with NATO (1st world) or USSR (2nd world)

Common Cold War battleground

Operation Urgent Fury

1983: US invasion of Grenada. Justified by Reagan: protecting medical students. Response to Marxist coup aligned with Cuba. Criticized internationally but successful militarily.

Operation Blue Bat

1958: US military intervention in Lebanon. Aimed to stop pro-Nasser, leftist uprising. Part of Eisenhower Doctrine (Protection of Middle East from communism)