Afghanistan HISTORY: · formally established as a state after the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878-1880) · a buffer between British and Russian empire (prevented from numerous skirmishes) · imposition of an absulutist monarchy (due to B. efforts) àin 1919 – declaration of independence · Cold War – a buffer between SU and the US sponsored Baghdad Pact · the SU – major air provider - sponsored recruitment and equipping of a 100,000-strong army ¨ nonaligned Afghanistan had turned to the SU for military aid after the US had refused to consider such aid – and rather backed Pakistan ¨ A. vs P. dispute over Pashtunistan - areas of Nortwest Pakistan inhabited by Pashtuns à until mid-1970s, the US and SU competed for influence over a regime they both supported H finally – communist power was established in A. on 27th April 1978 through a bloody military coup H the new, wobbly (chwiejący się) government enjoyed little popular support àthe army began to disintegrate; some units mutinied à chaotic civil war commened |
