The Road to Afghanistan - George Washington University

“I ask our Soviet comrades,” he said, his burning glare not leaving Taraki’s face, “I ask ourSoviet comrades to report, to let the Central Committee of the CPSU know that an abnormalsituation exists in our Central Committee. There is a lack of any democracy or collegiality in thework of our Politburo. All power in the country and the party has been usurped by two men:Taraki and Amin. They prepare and approve the most important decisions without any collectivediscussion. They ignore the opinions of the other members of the Central Committee and thePolitburo. I am removed from making decisions regarding party and government affairs. It is as if Ilive in a golden cage. Under these conditions, I should either feign illness or leave and assume apost as ambassador to another country.”Kharazov was confused. He had been warned of disagreements between the Afghanleaders, but he had no idea that they ran so deep. How could he react to this? Sensing hiscolleague’s dismay, Puzanov handed the adviser a handwritten note: “After Karmal leaves, askComrade Taraki about arranging a separate meeting with him to discuss these sensitive issues.”Not allowing Karmal to finish his soliloquy, Taraki slammed his fist on the table. “That’senough! All of it is a lie! There is a full democracy in our party and our state. Every decision ismade in full collegiality, but if somebody disagrees with those decisions, we won’t hesitate tosteamroll over them to achieve our goals.”Kharazov was taken aback at this scene. “This is astonishing,” he thought to himself. “I wastold that Taraki was a kind, elderly man who wouldn’t harm a fly. This conflict cannot bemoderated. They are not only rivals but deadly enemies.”Babrak Karmal stood up and dryly bid his Soviet guests goodbye. His eyes were bloodshotand darkened with anger. When he left the room, Taraki again slammed the table. “We willsteamroll our enemies,” he declared.181