Fighting the Mujahideen: Lessons from the Soviet Counter-Insurgency Experience in Afghanistan
Fighting the Mujahideen: Lessons from the Soviet Counter-Insurgency Experience in Afghanistan

Summary/Abstract: In the article the authors examine Soviet counter-insurgency operations in Afghanistan during the 1980s. They conclude that the Soviets, contrary to popular belief, followed a logical and multifaceted, if somewhat brutal, counterinsurgency strategy in that country. A critical examination of the Soviet performance reveals that many of their failings can be directly attributed to a lack of resources and in this respect, there are a surprising number of similarities between the operational environment the Soviets faced and the situation that NATO is currently dealing with. The article highlights Soviet actions within this context examining the strength and weaknesses of the Soviet approach in an effort to draw out applicable lessons for their relevance to NATO’s present situation.

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