The Road to Afghanistan - George Washington University

had helped create. It was clear that his actions would force his leadership into anunenviable position, in which they would face very grave and very complicated decisions.Suspects, state criminals wanted for questioning by the special services of a friendly, evenbrotherly, host country, found shelter in the house of a Soviet diplomat per his owninvitation. The predicament had the potential to become a serious political fiasco. Whatwould the intelligence leadership decide to do now? The incident would be reported to thevery top, and from there any action would have to be considered by the Soviet Politburo.What kind of decision would its members come to? Would they sacrifice the rebels toappease state interests and satisfy Amin? Would they take advantage of the situation tobreak ties with the dishonest and ambitious political adventurist, who was unstoppable inhis thirst for power? If that’s the case, then I must reveal Amin’s true character to the Sovietleadership and justify my brash action.Starostin took out his notebook, sat on the couch beside Sarwari and Watanjar, andaddressed them. “You all accuse Amin of collaborating with the CIA. This line of reasoningis corroborated by many aspects of his behavior and biography. Let me tell youconfidentially that my comrades and I have written about this possibility to Moscow. Butdo you have any specific evidence of his allegiance?”“We have this evidence,” decisively declared the Afghans.“So,” thought Valery. “It’s possible that today I will have an opportunity to receiveconfidential information from two ministers and the head of the national security serviceson the issue of the second-in-command’s involvement with the CIA intelligence network. Acable to the Center containing this information could be earthshaking.”The guests began to cite a series of facts, all of which suggested that Amin carried out546