jan 1, 1979 - The USSR invades Afghanistan

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In support of the socialist government of Afghanistan, led by the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan, the Soviet Union began military operations in the country. The PDPA had overthrown Mohammad Daoud Khan in 1978, who had in turn overthrown the Shah in 1973.

While Daoud Khan and the PDPA were initially allies, tensions between them increased and the PDPA, with allies in the army, overthrew and murdered him.

This event would be the beginning of decades of constant warfare in Afghanistan, that devastated the already struggling nation. A coialition of anti-Soviet fighters formed with participants ranging from Islamists to Europhile liberals and pro-China Maoists. These were armed and in some cases trained by various countries including the United States and China. Eventually the Soviet Union retreated from the country, and the Socialist government would later be overthrown.

This was not the end however, as warlords in possession of a vast array of weaponry now warred against each other. The attempt at an interim government fell apart and in time two main factions would emerge, the Pashtun dominated Taliban who preached a strict, revivalist sect of Islam and the Northern Alliance led by Ahmad Shah Masoud. The Taliban would control most of the country until they were overthrown in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.

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