ABSTRACT
The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in December 1979. While the Soviet Union and the government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan (DRA) have insisted that only a "limited number" of Soviet troops entered Afghanistan at the "request" of the Afghans, the Soviets have been fighting in Afghanistan for longer than they fought in World War II, and well over 100,000 Soviet troops are engaged in the country. The Central Asian troops (and other Soviet troops) found out that no "interventionists" existed, only Afghan freedom fighters. A few Soviets deserted to help train Afghan guerrillas. Currently, no acceptable regional power brokers exist. None of the countries bordering Afghanistan would be acceptable to negotiate a peaceful political solution, for each has enemies (or competitors) actively involved in the issues. A political solution to the crises in the area appears impossible, given the current ingredients. Afghan resistance to the Soviet-DRA forces is stiffening, and urban guerrilla warfare intensifies.
