Causes of the Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan, 1979
Geopolitical Significance of Afghanistan
- Strategic Location: Afghanistan shared a long border with the Soviet Union, making it a critical buffer state.
- Soviet Sphere of Influence: Maintaining control over Afghanistan was essential to prevent the spread of Western influence in Central Asia.
The Brezhnev Doctrine asserted the Soviet Union's right to intervene in socialist countries to maintain their alignment with Moscow. This policy was a key justification for the invasion.
Internal Instability in Afghanistan
- Rise of the PDPA: In April 1978, the Marxist People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) seized power, implementing radical reforms such as land redistribution and secular education.
- Resistance and Civil Strife: These reforms faced fierce opposition, especially in rural areas, leading to widespread rebellion by the Mujahideen, a coalition of religious and tribal groups.
The Mujahideen were not a single unified group but a loose coalition of factions united by their opposition to the PDPA and Soviet influence.
Factionalism and Leadership Changes
- Taraki and Amin: The PDPA was divided between factions led by Nur Muhammad Taraki and Hafizullah Amin. In September 1979, Amin overthrew and executed Taraki, further destabilizing the country.
- Soviet Concerns About Amin: Amin's unpredictability and attempts to seek support from the United States alarmed the Soviet leadership, who feared losing Afghanistan to Western influence.
It's a common misconception that the Soviet Union invaded solely to support the PDPA. In reality, the invasion was also driven by fears of losing strategic control and the spread of religious fundamentalism.
Soviet Strategic Concerns
- Loss of Influence: The Soviet Union feared that losing Afghanistan would embolden other countries in its sphere to defect, undermining the Brezhnev Doctrine.
- Religious Fundamentalism: The rise of Islamic fundamentalism in Afghanistan posed a threat to the stability of Soviet Central Asian republics, such as Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
