Evaluate the impact of the withdrawal of Soviet troops on Afghanistan.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the impact of the withdrawal of Soviet troops on Afghanistan, weighing up the strengths and limitations of the impact. Though the Soviet troop presence in Afghanistan ended in February 1989, large-scale Soviet military and economic assistance to its Marxist proteges there continued enabling an unpopular regime under Najibullah to remain in power in Afghanistan for over three years. Participation of all political parties in government was permitted, and Afghanistan's Islamic identity was reaffirmed. The Afghan Marxist regime collapsed in 1992, largely due to the actions of the Pakistani-backed Pushtun mujahideen. Candidates may evaluate how Afghanistan was plunged into a civil war causing great destruction. Disagreements and infighting between Massoud and Hekmatyar set the stage for the eventual rise of the Taliban. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.