The Road to Afghanistan - George Washington University

Kryuchkov remained silent, digesting Bogdanov’s report. Bogdanov took severalsheets from his folder and presented them to his boss. “Here, Vladimir Alexandrovich. Thisis a typical example of Amin’s rhetoric. It’s a transcript of his recent meeting with ourdelegation from the Academy of Sciences—a very representative document.”Kryuchkov took the papers and began to read. “Having greeted the Sovietdelegation, H. Amin said that the April Revolution was a direct consequence of the GreatSocialist October Revolution and would serve as an example for many countries. ‘Wealways found inspiration in the ideas of the October Revolution. Many Afghanrevolutionaries were brought up by the great Lenin’s works.’ Talking about Soviet-Afghanrelations, Amin mentioned that the Afghans were always very close and sincere with theirSoviet friends who ‘gave us comprehensive assistance and support. This is the guarantee ofthe victory of our revolution. From the very first day of our party’s creation, we have saidthat following the Soviet model is the main condition for our success.’ Amin promised toassist the work of the Soviet delegation and in conclusion said, ‘We don’t have secrets fromour Soviet friends because we always seek to nurture four main qualities among our partymembers: patriotism, Marxism, Sovietism, and internationalism.’”“Nothing new,” remarked Kryuchkov after he finished reading. “I heard the samefrom him when I was in Kabul.”“In principle, this is the case,” agreed Bogdanov. “But more and more, I sense thatthis person is not so simple. I have a persistent feeling that all of his high-style speeches areonly smoke and mirrors, part of a game plan that we still don’t understand.”Bogdanov hesitated. With difficulty, he held back his desire to tell Kryuchkov thatAmin once said straightforwardly that he would like to see a different Soviet ambassador in244