What strategic or political value did Afghanistan hold for the Soviets?

[WriterDom]

Did they see it as easy pickings to expand their empire, or part of a larger plan?

 

[sch00lteacher]

The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, launched on December 24, 1979, was the culmination of a scheme designed to enlarge and maintain the influence of the USSR in this formerly sovereign state. Afghanistan had long existed under a monarchical form of government until the middle of the twentieth century when the development of political parties introduced an element of
democracy. This division of powers persisted until the internal overthrow of the regime by Mohammed Daoud in 1973. Daoud ruled as a dictator, attempting to defeat all challengers to his power. The major opposition to his program came from communist groups. The most notable dissent came from the People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan. The PDPA was formed in 1964 and quickly adopted "Soviet organization and style", including Marxist-Leninist ideology; the use of a relatively benign title was intended to obscure their unofficial status as the Communist Party of Afghanistan The PDPA consolidated its power until it was able to launch a coup in May of 1978, murdering Daoud and taking control of the
government while establishing close connections with Soviet leadership. Hafizullah Amin assumed control of the state, and quickly "tried to carry out a revolutionary transformation of Afghan society by decree and terror" (Rubin 1995: 111). This extremism caused isolated riots, contributing to Soviet concren about the stability of the regime and of their influence. After a
subsequent plot to replace Amin had failed, Soviet forces invaded the country and killed him, thereby assuming control of the state. In an attempt to subdue the generally dissident Afghan population, the USSR embarked on a decade-long war that
ultimately ended in failure.

This was written by a 'soviet' biographer. So it could be so much crap.

In 1979 when this happened I remember my base being put on alert. I didn't know why for a few days, but we came real close to helping the Afghan's with air support.

p.s. be careful what you ask around a history teacher, we just can't keep our mouths shut sometimes.

 

[Guest]

Also because it's there ... strategic location

They were wanting Afghanistan when the British were running India - see Kipling

 

[morninggirl5]

p.s. be careful what you ask around a history teacher, we just can't keep our mouths shut sometimes.

Welcome sch00lteacher, now we need a Math teacher and we've got all the bases covered.

 

[Natalie Nessus]

 

[shadowsource]

Did they see it as easy pickings to expand their empire, or part of a larger plan?

The classic geopolitical explanation has been that the Soviet interest in Afghanistan was a natural successor to the Czars' traditional interest, which was in seeking seeking southerly influence, particularly in Persia. The Reagan policy people liked to contend that the Soviets wanted a port on the Indian Ocean, in Pakistan. I think it's unquestionable that any Soviet leader wished to exercise the maximum influence possible over any nation bordering on the USSR.
By the way, Daoud, who threw out the Afghani king, was his cousin.

 

[rahfirst]

Where

WD,

Why worry about the ex-soviets? Do you think we will wind up over there?


Nessus,

Where does one sign up for the advanced course and/or refresher courses?

 

[Azwed]

I have heard two seperate but related theories. The Russians have always been paranoid about invasions. They viewed Afganistan as just another buffer state to help prevent invasion. The other theory is the all year round warm port. Russia really dosen't have much of a year round port since most of the country is so far north. Taking Afganistan then driving in to Pakistan some would have given them a warm water port.