Lions Led By Donkeys Podcast Episode 57 - Soviet Afghan War 3: The Lion of the Panjshir
Jul 1, 2019
In a deep dive into the Soviet-Afghan War, discover how Tajik warlord Ahmed Shah Massoud challenged Soviet forces with guerrilla tactics and terrain advantages. The podcast highlights the miscalculations of Soviet leaders, logistical failures, and the troubling effects of their military strategies on civilians. Listen as they recount Massoud's tactical evolution, the catastrophic Selang Tunnel Disaster, and how brutal reprisals sparked greater resistance. The discussion also touches on the shifting dynamics of Afghan resistance and the ultimate failures of the Soviet campaign.
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Episode notes
Soviets Misread Their Mission
- The Soviets expected an advisory role but were thrust into full combat with little preparation.
- Soviet leadership misjudged Afghan support for Karmal and underestimated insurgency resilience.
Looting And Barter In Kabul
- Soviet soldiers looted Kabul for consumer goods unavailable in the USSR like TVs and boomboxes.
- Troops traded or stole supplies from locals to obtain food, alcohol, and clothing.
Pay System Encouraged Theft
- Soviet pay used 'chekki' script usable only in military stores, making soldiers effectively unpaid.
- Lack of real wages pushed troops to sell supplies and extort locals for basic needs.
