Afghanistan: The First Five Years of Soviet Occupation

Dr. J. Bruce Amstutz, US charge d' affaires in Kabul from 1979 to 1980, begins his treatment of the first five years of Soviet occupation with an historical overview of years of Russian meddling in Afghan affairs. He follows this account with a first-hand report of the 1979 invasion, then analyzes that intervention from political, military, and economic perspectives. Among the important issues DR. Amstutz discusses are the numerous Afghan political factions-pro-Soviet and resistance-their leaders, the human rights and refugee problems, diplomatic efforts to settle the conflict, and Soviet measures to repress and indoctrinate th Afghans.