Why did the Soviet Union withdraw from Afghanistan?

The Soviet Union withdrew from Afghanistan due to mounting international pressure and unsustainable military costs.

The Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 marked the beginning of a decade-long conflict that would prove to be both costly and controversial. The Soviet Union initially intervened to support the communist government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan against the Mujahideen resistance. However, the conflict quickly escalated, drawing in international players and leading to a protracted and bloody war.

The Soviet Union faced significant international pressure to withdraw from Afghanistan. The United Nations General Assembly passed several resolutions condemning the invasion and calling for an immediate withdrawal of Soviet troops. The United States, under the Carter and Reagan administrations, provided significant financial and military support to the Mujahideen, further escalating the conflict and putting additional pressure on the Soviet Union.

The economic cost of the war was another major factor in the Soviet Union's decision to withdraw. The Soviet economy was already struggling due to a combination of factors, including economic mismanagement, the arms race with the United States, and falling oil prices. The war in Afghanistan added to these pressures, with the Soviet Union spending an estimated $8 billion per year on the conflict. This was unsustainable for the struggling Soviet economy.

Additionally, the human cost of the war was significant. The Soviet Union lost an estimated 15,000 soldiers in the conflict, with many more wounded. This led to increasing domestic opposition to the war, with many Soviet citizens questioning the purpose and cost of the conflict.

Finally, the leadership of Mikhail Gorbachev, who became General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in 1985, played a crucial role in the decision to withdraw. Gorbachev was more open to ending the conflict than his predecessors, and he initiated negotiations with the United States and other international players to facilitate a Soviet withdrawal.

In conclusion, the Soviet Union's decision to withdraw from Afghanistan was driven by a combination of international pressure, economic and human costs, and a change in leadership. The withdrawal marked the end of a decade-long conflict that had significant implications for both the Soviet Union and Afghanistan.