Cold War - Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan

Causes of the S.I.O.Afghanistan Pt.1

• In April 1978, there was a Communist revolution in which Taraki took control of Afghanistan.

• Many Muslim leaders across Afghanistan did not like the new socialist reforms introduced by the government so they began a civil war against the Communists in the Spring of 1979.

• Meanwhile, the Communist government were also fighting amongst themselves; in October 1979 Amin supporters assassinated Taraki and Amin claimed Presidency over Afgh

Causes of the S.I.O.Afghanistan Pt.2

• The USSR did not trust Amin – the KGB believed he was a US spy. The USSR had a fear that, if the civil war was won by the Islamic fighters, Afghanistan would reject Communism and encourage nearby countries to do the same.

Events of the S.I.O.Afghanistan Pt.1

• Soviet troops invade Afghanistan, kill Amin and declare Karmal president. (December 1979) America had tolerated Soviet invasions previously (Czechoslovakia 1968) but this time they did not.

• The USA through the CIA armed the Mujahedeen to fight against the Soviets.

Consequences of the S.I.O.Afghanistan Pt.1

• Effectively ended détente and worsened relations

• SALT II ratification suspended in US congress

• USA stopped exportation of grain to USSR

Consequences of the S.I.O.Afghanistan Pt.2

• USA gave military and economic aid to Mujahedeen rebels fighting Soviet troops

• Boycotting of 1980 Moscow Olympics

• USA began rearmament

What was the Carter Doctrine?

• In response to Afghanistan invasion Carter was appalled by the Soviet aggression and released a statement that became known as the ‘Carter Doctrine’.

• He stated the USA would:

• Not allow the USSR to gain control of the oil-rich Middle East.

• Take a number of immediate steps to try to remove Soviet troops from Afghanistan.

What was the Strategic Defense Initiative?

• In 1983 US scientists began working in the SDI. This project was informally named ‘Star Wars’.

• The aim was to prevent Soviet nuclear missiles from reaching US targets by creating a huge laser shield in space. If successful, SDI would mean USA wouldn’t be victim of ‘first strike’.

• It also created a ‘gap’ in the arms race and would mean an end to M.A.D. Clearly this caused increased tension between the Superpowers.

• In 1982 meetings between the USA and USSR resumed under the banner of START (Strategic Arms Reduction Talks). Reagan demanded huge cuts in Soviet nuclear capability.

• In response, the Soviets pulled out of the talks. Reagan’s statements were very aggressive – this terrified the Soviets into thinking he was preparing the US to fight a war with them.

• USA invaded Grenada to stop Communist government from taking control. As a result, the LA Olympics were boycotted by USSR and Communist countries because of Grenada invasion