Războiul Sovieto-Afghan (1979-1989). Două imagini ale unui război pierdut
The War Between USSR and Afghanistan (1979-1989). Two Images of a Lost War

Summary/Abstract: The war in Afghanistan where soviet troops were involved (1979-1989) actually took place also in USSR not only in Afghanistan. Its end came when the Soviet Empire fell. A very important battle to the soviet citizen was lost when troops withdrew from Afghanistan, the battle of soviet mentality. Similar to Vietnam, the war in Afghanistan remains a spot that can no longer be cleaned away; thus the war's veterans have been considered traitors, or even more: criminals. Many years have passed since the war and yet the post-soviet mentality has not changed. Therefore, here are these two interviews given by direct participants in the Soviet-Afghan war. Two completely different war pictures come out of these interviews, one similar to the official image imposed by the system (Valeriu Morari), and a second one, the real, extremely violent and tough war experience (Anatolie Deleu). The importance of these testimonies lies in the fact that the myth of the so­ called „international help" provided by the soviet soldier to free the Afghan people becomes questionable. Though the interview with Valeriu Morari generally presents the official side of the war story, listening to the Basarabian veteran we learn about a fact that has been hidden by the system: in reality troops left much latter (the autumn of 1989). The Basarabian veterans are afraid to talk (they have signed a contract where they oblige themselves not to talk to anybody about what happened to them during the war), they are hesitating, unable to decide what side of the story to tell: the official one or the true one. Nevertheless, the interviews consist of fragments that belong to both sides.

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