Questions about the cold war, Afghanistan especially?

Question

I just watched Charlie Wilsons war, and I am too young and German so the cold war is something I don't quite understand yet. How is it that it was dangerous that the Soviets were trying to get into Afghanistan? I understand that it was strategically important for the Soviets because of Afghanistan's geography but would countries like Israel not be strong enough to defend the Soviets? What plans did the Soviets have once in Afghanistan?

Answer 1

The traditional reason for Russia under the Tsar , was because it needed a secure warm water port. Afghanistan was on the way to Pakistan. Ice-breakers weren't all that good in the Tsarist era and going through the Bosporus wasn't terribly safe during the time of the Ottoman Empire.

in 1979, the Afghan government was under pressure and invited the USSR to 'help them out'.

The USA and the UK considered this to be a tall story and trained Osama bin Laden, amongst others, to fight against the USSR in Afghanistan, using terrorist and guerrilla techniques.

One should not forget that North Vietnam was allied to the USSR, and the USA claimed that South of the country 'invited' them to protect them from the 'Communist threat'.

Answer 2

Long story they backed the former shah/mad mullah going way back to a pact they made years ago.  The legit government was overthrown so the russians invaded to return power to the former leaders in doing so they got their asses kicked by a bunch of dope headed muslim fanatics weilding enfeild 308's.  The British and americans were involved with the mujahadeen but on a hush hush no to need to know unofficial basis.