The Road to Afghanistan - George Washington University

in connection with the additional military supplies, the need to send another group ofmilitary specialists and advisers would arise.“If that’s what you believe, then we will certainly receive them,” responded Tarakiwith displeasure. “Still, wouldn’t you allow us to use pilots and tank drivers from othersocialist countries?”“I don’t understand why you are insisting on this,” replied Kosygin, obviouslyirritated. “Socialist countries would hardly do this. Soliciting people to drive your tanks andshoot at your citizens is a very acute political issue.”Following the plan for the talks that had been developed in advance, Kosyginproceeded to lecture Taraki about conducting more careful policies regarding the cadres.“One should attempt to understand every person well and without labeling them asenemies,” Kosygin reprimanded the Afghan leader, bearing in mind the continuingpersecutions.Taraki pretended not to understand what Kosygin was talking about. “The events inHerat have showed us that ‘Muslim brothers’ have infiltrated our environment. We neverlabel those who are truly with us.”The Soviet premier elected not to pursue this discussion. The guest made anotherattempt at bargaining. He asked what the Soviet Union would do were Afghan territoryattacked from outside, but Kosygin, who was an experienced politician, deflected the moveeasily.“It would be a completely different situation,” he said. “We are doing everythingpossible to prevent such an invasion from taking place.”“Members of our Politburo know about my trip to Moscow. Upon my return home, I384