The Road to Afghanistan - George Washington University

Amin was happy to hear that. He seemed energetic and full of optimism for thefuture.Hafizullah Amin moved to Tajbeg without any premonitions, although some of hisclosest advisers warned him against the move under the pretext that it would not bepossible to maintain the security of the residence. But Amin remained firm. “The Sovietcomrades have guaranteed me one hundred percent security. They promised to surroundthe area with barbed wire, to install an alarm system, and to arrange patrols around theclock.” There was probably another reason for him to want to leave the former royalcomplex as soon as possible. Everything there reminded him of the recent tragic events,including the death of Tarun and the murder of Taraki. Amin felt uncomfortable in ArkPalace.“Did you know that the Tajbeg Palace was built according to the wishes of ourprogressive ruler, Amanullah Khan?” Amin asked Safronchuk proudly, as if he wished toemphasize that he was as major a political figure as the Afghan king.After warmly bidding his Soviet adviser farewell, Amin went to the center of Kabul,where he had a scheduled meeting with health workers. Speaking to the participants of themeeting, he condemned the United States’ policies, particularly recent U.S. maneuvers inthe Persian Gulf. On that very day, Amin informed the government about the considerableexpansion of Soviet military assistance.“Finally, Soviet comrades have heard our requests to send military units toAfghanistan in order to defend the achievements of the April Revolution,” he declaredsolemnly to his allies. Applause followed.702