From the archive record
In this powerful interview, a man reflects on the period of the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan (1979–1989), one of the most transformative and turbulent chapters in the country’s modern history. He speaks about how the arrival of Soviet forces changed everyday life, reshaped politics, and deeply affected Afghan society. Describing the atmosphere of conflict, resistance, and uncertainty, he recalls how communities were divided between government forces backed by the Soviet Union and the Afghan resistance fighters, widely known as the Mujahideen. The war brought destruction to cities and villages, displaced millions of people, and left long-lasting social and economic consequences. He also discusses how the occupation intensified ideological struggles, foreign involvement, and regional ins