This paper examines the Soviet/Afghan War in the broader context of changing international relations, dissipating Soviet central power and the resurgence of Islam in Soviet Central Asia. Against this background it will discuss and analyse the effects of the conflict on Soviet foreign policy, as well as on the traditional divisions in Afghan society. The evolution of the conflict since the Soviet withdrawal will then be traced to provide a means of understanding the role of regional powers and local forces in the future of Afghanistan in particular, and Central Asia in general.

Cover title. "Summer 1991." Adelphi Paper 259.

Introduction--I. Historical and social background--II. Analytical history of the war--III. Relations between Moscow and Kabul--IV. External forces--V. Lessons of the war--VI. Afghan politics and society--VII. Prospects.