Between Nations

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Watch the video at left, then answer the following questions.

Why was Afghanistan of interest to the Soviet Union?

What changed in Afghanistan in 1978 that led to civil unrest?

Why did some call the war in Afghanistan a jihad or "holy war"?

The mujahedin (or "soldiers of God") who fought against the Soviet-Afghan army were mostly peasants. Where did they get their weapons?

Afghan President Taraki sought advice from Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev about what to do with Afghan Prime Minister Amin, who had authored the reforms that led to turmoil. What did they decide to do? What happened as a result?

The U.S. became allies with a neighbor of Afghanistan in order to support the mujahedin. Who was this ally, and what was remarkable about the alliance?

According to Soviet journalist Artyom Borovik, what made the war "useless"?

What weakened the mujahedin army?

Though the U.S. sent money and supplies to help the mujahedin, they did not send any troops. What do you think of this decision in light of the fact that the opposition had Soviet troops fighting for them? Does this seem like good foreign policy?

The video clip has been excerpted from the CNN Cold War documentary series. Usage of these CNN materials does not constitute an implied or express endorsement by CNN.