Key learning points

1. A communist group called the PDPA took control of Afghanistan in 1978 and governed with Soviet support.
2. Reforms introduced by the PDPA to transform Afghanistan into a communist country were deeply unpopular.
3. The USSR invaded Afghanistan in December 1979 to prevent the mujahideen from overthrowing the communist government.
4. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan increased tensions with the USA who responded with the Carter Doctrine.
5. In response to the Soviet invasion, the USA led a boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

Keywords

• Secular - non-religious

• Guerilla - warfare that involves using surprise attacks and hit-and-run tactics to fight a larger, more traditional military force

• Islamic fundamentalism - a strict interpretation of Islam that emphasises a return to traditional beliefs and practices

• Economic sanction - a measure taken by one country to limit or stop trade with another country to pressure it to change its actions or policies

• Boycott - when people refuse to buy, use or participate in something as a way to protest or bring about change

Common misconception