Zbigniew Brzezinski on Afghanistan

Questions and Answers

What was the timing of the CIA's aid to the Mujahiddin according to Zbigniew Brzezinski?

In 1980, after the Soviet intervention

Only after the Soviet army invaded in December 1979

In July 1979, before the Soviet invasion (correct)

Six months after the Soviet intervention

What was Brzezinski's perspective on the potential consequences of the CIA's support for the Mujahiddin?

It would remain a secret and have no impact.

It would strengthen the pro-Soviet regime.

It might provoke a Soviet military intervention. (correct)

It would lead to a diplomatic resolution.

How did Brzezinski respond to the suggestion that he desired the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan?

He claimed they did not anticipate the Soviets would intervene.

He agreed that they pushed the Russians to intervene.

He expressed regret over provoking the Soviets.

He stated they increased the probability of intervention but did not push for it. (correct)

What justification did the Soviets provide for their intervention in Afghanistan?

To fight against secret US involvement. Signup and view all the answers

How did Brzezinski assess the secret operation to support the Mujahiddin?

As an excellent idea that achieved strategic goals. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the consequences of the Soviet Union's invasion, as suggested in the provided text?

A prolonged and unsustainable war for Moscow Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Islamic fundamentalism is emphasized?

It lacks a singular identity and varies greatly among nations. Signup and view all the answers

What does the author imply about the relationship between the Soviet empire's collapse and Islamic fundamentalism?

The collapse of the Soviet empire is more significant than the rise of Islamic fundamentalism. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects a misconception about the global situation regarding Islam, as mentioned in the text?

Different Islamic countries share common beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

What was Brzezinski's view on the importance of the situation in Afghanistan compared to the Soviet Union's challenges?

It was an opportunity to challenge the Soviet regime significantly. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Background on US Intervention in Afghanistan

Zbigniew Brzezinski served as National Security Adviser to President Carter during the late 1970s.
Officially, CIA support for Afghan Mujahiddin began in 1980 after the Soviet invasion, but Brzezinski reveals covert assistance started on July 3, 1979.

Strategic Motivations

Brzezinski advised President Carter that providing aid aimed at undermining the pro-Soviet Afghan regime would likely provoke a Soviet military response.
The intention was not to directly force a Soviet intervention, but to increase the likelihood of it occurring.

Impact of Soviet Intervention

When the Soviets entered Afghanistan, Brzezinski perceived it as an opportunity to entrap them in a conflict analogous to the Vietnam War.
He noted that the prolonged Soviet engagement in Afghanistan contributed to the demoralization and eventual dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Controversial Support for Fundamentalism

Brzezinski defends the decision to support Islamic fundamentalism, arguing the geopolitical stakes outweighed risks involving future terrorism.
He ranks the collapse of the Soviet Empire as more significant than the rise of groups like the Taliban.

Perspective on Islamic Fundamentalism

Brzezinski challenges the notion of a monolithic Islamic threat, pointing out the vast diversity within the Islamic world, which includes varying political systems and ideologies.
He criticizes the oversimplified view of Islam in the West and advocates for a more nuanced understanding of its variations.

Key Themes

Dynamics of Cold War politics and the complex interplay of fostering resistance movements in geopolitical strategies.
Consequences of foreign interventions that often lead to unintended long-term repercussions, such as the rise of terrorism.

Description

Explore the insights from Zbigniew Brzezinski regarding U.S. involvement in Afghanistan prior to the Soviet intervention. This quiz delves into his interview and the implications of American support for the Mujahiddin, offering a historical perspective on Cold War strategies.