Question

Why did the Soviets face greater resistance from the mujahideen than they expected? Check all that apply.

The Soviets were unfamiliar with the Afghan terrain.
Arabs from many nations joined and enlarged the size of the mujahideen.
The Soviets’ poorly made weaponry was easily overcome and destroyed.
The mujahideen had an innate understanding of all the Soviets’ weaknesses.
The mujahideen received training and weapons from the United States.

Answer 1

Correct answers: 1, 2, and 5.

Brief explanations:
- The Soviets were unfamiliar with the Afghan terrain — Yes. Rugged mountains, sparse infrastructure, and harsh climate favored guerrilla tactics and hindered Soviet mobility and supply lines.
- Arabs from many nations joined and enlarged the size of the mujahideen — Yes. Foreign volunteers (including Arab fighters) bolstered ranks, funds, and some expertise, though they were not the majority.
- The Soviets’ poorly made weaponry was easily overcome and destroyed — No. Soviet weapons were generally well-made and formidable; the problem was guerrilla tactics, terrain, and the introduction of effective anti‑air weapons (e.g., Stinger missiles).
- The mujahideen had an innate understanding of all the Soviets’ weaknesses — No. They exploited many Soviet vulnerabilities through local knowledge and tactics, but not by any “innate” or perfect understanding of all weaknesses.
- The mujahideen received training and weapons from the United States — Yes. The US (via CIA Operation Cyclone) and Pakistan’s ISI supplied funding, training, and weapons (notably shoulder‑fired anti‑air missiles) that significantly increased mujahideen effectiveness.