The Road to Afghanistan - George Washington University

weather was clear and cloudless, with one hundred percent visibility. There were noobstructions visible on the landing strip. It seemed like an invisible force prevented theairplane from landing.The welcoming crowd grew increasingly more anxious. What’s going on? Thediplomats exchanged nervous glances. Only on its third attempt did the airplane touchdown on the ground and begin to taxi towards its parking area. At that moment, aVolkswagen appeared on the tarmac. Hafizullah Amin emerged from the vehicle, dashed tothe congregation assembled at the airfield, and at the last moment took his place alongsidethe carpet runner.Taraki was the first passenger to disembark from the aircraft. He descended to theground with his typical smile, radiating warmth. Upon greeting his assembled sycophants,he enthusiastically embraced his “loyal pupil.” However, some of those present said thatTaraki was taken aback when he saw Amin amongst his greeters, as if his presence wascompletely unexpected. From afar, however, everything seemed to be in order. The “pupil”bowed gratefully and kissed the hand of his “teacher” before they embraced like very closerelatives. “I hope everyone is here,” said Taraki, perhaps alluding to the disgracedministers. “Don’t worry,” replied Amin. “Everyone is in place. Everyone was anxious foryour return.”Taraki shook hands and exchanged kisses with the other members of the governmentand party leadership before energetically proceeding to a group of foreign diplomats. Hefirmly and with great enthusiasm shook the hand of the Soviet ambassador before greetingthe heads of the diplomatic missions of other states.After the conclusion of the greeting ceremony, the presidential motorcade left for the515