| Date | November 2020 | Marks available | 15 | Reference code | 20N.3op3.HL.TZ0.30 |
| Level | Higher level only | Paper | Paper 3 (History of Asia and Oceania) | Time zone | TZ0 |
| Command term | Discuss | Question number | 30 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Section 15: Cold War conflicts in Asia
“International involvement was significant in determining the outcome of the civil war in Afghanistan (1989–1992).” Discuss.
Markscheme
The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that international involvement was significant in determining the outcome of the civil war in Afghanistan. Candidates may refer to the role of Pakistan in supporting the Mujahideen coalition, the role of the US that permitted its funding and arms distribution to be administered initially through Pakistan and later through direct access with the Mujahideen, and the role of the Soviet Union in supporting the Republic of Afghanistan under President Mohammed Najibullah in Kabul. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example the internal divisions in the regime of President Najibullah such as the opposition between the Khalq and Parcham factions, but with focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.
Examiners report
The question required that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that international involvement was significant in determining the outcome of the civil war in Afghanistan.
