Lions Led By Donkeys Podcast Episode 55 - Soviet Afghan War 1: A Revolution of Drunks
Jun 17, 2019
Dive into the chaotic beginnings of the Soviet Afghan War, where overthrown King Zahir Shah's throne leads to rivalries, purges, and a clash of ideologies. The narrative unfolds with Daoud Khan's bold coup, revealing his struggles to balance Soviet influence with Afghan independence. Tensions rise as the PDPA introduces sweeping reforms, alienating rural populations and sparking backlash. Plus, witness the deadly rivalry between Taraki and Amin, culminating in dramatic power shifts and concerns from the Soviets about instability.
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Coup Ended Afghanistan's Last Peace
- The 1973 coup by Daoud Khan ended Afghanistan's last prolonged peacetime era and redirected the country toward continual conflict.
- His consolidation of power and shifting alliances set off the chain of coups and factional violence that followed.
Playing Both Sides Backfired
- Daoud leaned on Soviet support to secure arms and settle border disputes, then tried to distance himself, alarming Moscow.
- That flip-flop made him suspect to both Afghan communists and the Soviets, worsening internal instability.
Factionalization Invited External Influence
- Afghan communists split into Parcham and Khalq factions and Moscow actively courted both to shape events.
- Soviet support and recruitment of officers turned Afghanistan into a volatile powder keg.
