How did the U.S. respond to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979?

The U.S. response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 was characterized by a combination of economic sanctions and support for Afghan mujahideen fighters. This decision was driven by a broader strategy to counter Soviet expansionism during the Cold War. The U.S. perceived the invasion as a significant threat to its interests in the Middle East and as evidence of Soviet aggression.

Supporting the mujahideen, a group of Afghan insurgents fighting against the Soviet-backed government, served multiple purposes. It allowed the U.S. to engage in indirect conflict with the Soviet Union, providing military assistance without deploying American troops directly into combat. This approach also aimed to drain Soviet resources and morale, similar to the U.S. strategy during the Vietnam War.

Additionally, economic sanctions were imposed on the Soviet Union as a means to retaliate and apply pressure, aiming to undermine its economy and its capability to sustain the military campaign in Afghanistan. This multifaceted response reflected a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy and marked the beginning of heightened tensions between the two superpowers, influencing international relations for years to come.