-Introduction
-Pre-Soviet History
-Pashtun People
-Soviet Invasion
-The Afghan Girl
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In the 1970's the Soviet Union watched Afghanistan closely as the Soviet controlled government was in place. In December 1979, a coup overthrew the communist friendly government and the Soviet Union invaded naming Babrak Karmal president. Resistance from the Afghans began almost immediately against the 30,000 invading troops. Later the resistance would force the Soviet Union to increase it's occupational force to 100,000 troops.

The United States provided aid to the Mujahidin resistance through Pakistan and Iran, but were hindered by the tribal differences within Afghanistan. Many of the tribes would take the aid provided and use it to fight each other rather than fighting the Soviets. Over the course of the war the tribes became better organized and the Soviet's technological advantages began to decline.

The cost to the Afghan people was incredible. Their economy based on agriculture and livestock plummeted. As Soviet bombing runs and artillery barrages became frequent refugees began pouring over the borders into Pakistan and Iran. The Afghan Girl and her family would account for some of them.