Liberation Day Afghanistan

Liberation Day in Afghanistan is observed annually on February 15, marking the date in 1989 when the Soviet army finally withdrew from the country. This conflict, known as the Soviet-Afghan war, spanned nearly a decade and resulted in the tragic loss of around 2 million Afghan civilians. The war was a proxy battle during the Cold War, pitting the Soviet Army against the Mujahideen, who were supported by several nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Iran, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. By the conclusion of the war in 1989, Afghanistan had suffered the loss of approximately 11.5% of its population, with seven million people forced to flee their homes, becoming either internally displaced or refugees in neighboring countries like Pakistan.

History of Liberation Day Afghanistan

The origins of Liberation Day can be traced back to the Soviet-Afghan war, which ignited following the Saur Revolution in 1978. This revolution led to the overthrow of President Mohammed Daoud Khan’s authoritarian regime and the rise of the Marxist People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan (P.D.P.A.). Once in power, the P.D.P.A. established the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, appointing Nur Muhammad Taraki as its first Prime Minister. In December of that year, Afghanistan forged a friendship treaty with the Soviet Union. However, radical reforms instituted by the Taraki administration sparked widespread upheaval, culminating in a civil war by 1979. In September of that year, Deputy Prime Minister Hafizullah Amin orchestrated the assassination of Taraki, seizing control. This development alarmed the Soviet government, particularly the fear that Afghanistan might ally with the United States, prompting the Soviet invasion on December 24, 1979. Amin was killed shortly after, and Babrak Kamal was placed in power, officially marking the onset of the Soviet-Afghan war.

The invasion sent shockwaves around the globe, leading to widespread condemnation from various Islamic nations and the West. In 1980, the U.N. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly (104 to 18) against the Soviet intervention. In response, the Mujahideen rebels began receiving military training, financial assistance, and support, primarily from Pakistan, with contributions from the U.S., U.K., China, and other Arab nations. After nearly nine years of conflict, the Soviet Union initiated the withdrawal of its troops on May 15, 1988, and by February 15, 1989, all Soviet forces had departed, leaving the Afghan government to fend for itself against the rebels. This marked the conclusion of Soviet involvement in Afghanistan. Many historians believe this war significantly contributed to the eventual disintegration of the Soviet Union and set the stage for the U.S. military intervention in Afghanistan in 2001.

Key events of the Liberation Day timeline include:

• 1978: The Saur Revolution occurs, leading to the overthrow of the Daoud Khan government and the rise of the P.D.P.A.
• 1979: The Soviet Army invades Afghanistan, resulting in the assassination of the Prime Minister and the establishment of Babrak Karmal’s government, which ignites the Soviet-Afghan War.
• 1987: The Soviet Union declares its intention to withdraw troops following an agreement with the Afghan government.
• 1989: The Soviet Union completes its troop withdrawal, officially ending the Soviet-Afghan War.

Liberation Day Afghanistan FAQs:

• Why was Afghanistan referred to as the Soviet Union’s Vietnam? The Soviet military found itself bogged down in Afghanistan for nearly a decade, depleting resources with no viable path to victory.
• What led to the Soviets’ defeat in Afghanistan? Experts attribute their loss to poor military strategy, ineffective governance, and the Mujahideen’s external support from Pakistan and the U.S.
• What makes Afghanistan challenging to conquer? The country’s rugged mountainous terrain provides a tactical advantage for local fighters, facilitating guerrilla warfare against invading forces.

Observing Liberation Day in Afghanistan:

• Explore the Cold War’s history: Understanding the Cold War provides context for U.S. involvement and the rise of Islamic fundamentalism that culminated in the events of 9/11.
• Watch films about the Soviet-Afghan War: Numerous films depict this conflict. Classics like “The Kite Runner” and “Earth and Ashes” offer insights, while newer titles like “Leaving Afghanistan” also provide perspectives on the war.
• Delve into Afghanistan’s rich history: Before communism and extremism took hold, Afghanistan boasted a vibrant history. Learning about past attempts at conquest by figures like Alexander the Great and the British Empire can shed light on the current complexities of the nation.

5 Fascinating Facts About The Soviet-Afghan War:

1. The conflict served as a Cold War proxy war, reflecting the larger ideological battle between the communist Soviet Union and democratic nations, particularly the United States.
2. The war devastated Afghanistan’s infrastructure, leaving it one of the poorest nations worldwide.
3. Dubbed the “Soviet Union’s Vietnam,” the prolonged conflict and heavy casualties mirrored the struggles faced by the U.S. in Vietnam.
4. An estimated 562,000 to 2 million Afghans lost their lives in the war, representing a significant portion of the population.
5. Analysts regard the Soviet-Afghan War as a pivotal factor leading to the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1992.

Why Liberation Day Afghanistan is Significant:

• It signifies the conclusion of Soviet occupation, which began with an invitation to quell rebellion but escalated into full-scale war, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life. The end of this occupation allowed Afghans the chance to determine their own futures.
• The conflict played a role in halting the spread of communism, characterized by human rights abuses and socioeconomic turmoil, paving the way for the Soviet Union’s eventual dissolution.
• The war’s impact extended beyond Afghanistan, contributing to the independence and democratization of former Soviet republics.

What is the date of Liberation Day Afghanistan every year?

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