Definitions
What are Mujahideen?
Plural of Mujahid- fighter for Islam
What was the Cold War?
period of geopolitical rivalry between the U.S. and allies and the Soviet Union.
Who is Leonid Brezhnev?
Head of the Soviet Union
What is a Guerilla group?
- small group of unofficial military
Why were the Communist reforms ill-received by Afghanistan's people?
- The people were very traditional and saw the reforms as a direct attack on their way of life
- Some of the reforms were seen as a threat to the already existing social orders in place
What was Nur Mohammed Taraki known for?
What is Communism?
Type of government
- emphasis on dividing up and sharing wealth and resources based on need
What made Afghanistan so geopolitically significant?
- Buffer for Soviet Expansion towards Britain's Imperial jewel (India)
- Prevent spread of Communism as it separated Russia from the rest of Central Asia
How long did Mohammed Daoud Khan Serve?
From 1973-1978
What are the Taliban?
Faction of Mujahideen
Islamic fundamentalist group
What prompted the Soviet Union to Invade Afghanistan?
- Instability within the Afghani Government
- Rise of Mujahideen
- Fear of U.S. involvement
What was Mohammed Daoud Khan most known for?
Overthrowing the Afghan Monarchy and establishing a Republic
What was the Soviet Union?
transcontinental country
formed a government based on Communism
What role did the U.S. play in this conflict?
Supported the Mujahideen against the Soviet Union because this took place during the Cold War and they also did not want the Soviets to extend their influences.
What led to Nur Mohammad Taraki's Downfall?
Turning Afghanistan into a one party state