Russia in Afganistan

[BoatBuoy]

Edited: title<br /><br />I understand why we went to Afganistan. They were safe-harbor/training ground for al qaeda terrorists. Many years before we went there, the Russians fought vainly to overthrow that country. I'm not sure if I ever heard why. What, in God's name, could attract Russia to want Afganistan? Was it simply to extend their sovereignty by conquering another land? Any ideas?

 

[12Footer]

Re: Russia in Afganistan

The Russia/Afghan war was an internal power struggle....Just exactly like Vietnam. Russia had a large following there,that wanted to form a socialist form of government. The USA helped fight against the Russians by sending the mujah-Hadeen ,icluding one Osama Been Laidnot, arms and equipment to fight them off.<br />This while ignoring thier religious views...After all, we are Americans who allow freedom of religion in our own country (sometimes). <br />Fortunately, the then-called "freedom fighters" were victorious...Unfortunately, the war still left-behind a power vacumm, unmentionable poverty, drug lords as government,who funded alqueda.--Those with the biggest guns rule--<br />The taliban became the "government" until we kicked thier a$$es.<br />Hopefully, they will be independent again and soon.

 

[Trent]

Re: Russia in Afganistan

It was bascially a war between anticommunist Muslim guerrillas and the Afgan communist government (aided in 1979-89 by Soviet troops).<br /><br /><br />Afghanistan's recent history has been by characterised by war and civil unrest. The Soviet Union invaded in 1979 but was forced to withdraw 10 years later by anti-Communist mujahidin forces supplied and trained by the US, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and others. Fighting subsequently continued among the various mujahidin factions, giving rise to a state of warlordism that eventually spawned the Taliban.<br /><br />Backed by foreign sponsors, the Taliban developed as a political force and eventually seized power. The Taliban were able to capture most of the country, aside from Northern Alliance strongholds primarily in the northeast, until US and allied military action in support of the opposition following the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks forced the group's downfall.