The Road to Afghanistan - George Washington University

estowed responsibility for leading the military branch of Parcham upon him. During themeeting, Khost told Starostin that on November 4, members of his military organizationintended to begin an uprising with the goal of removing Amin and his “hated fascistregime.” They were planning to engage some military units in implementing the plans forthe uprising and were hoping to garner the support of the populations of Kabul and theprovinces. On November 7, the day of the Great October Revolution, they planned toorganize a military parade at Chaman-e Hozuri, the “Red Square” of Afghanistan.Having received that information, Starostin dashed to Osadchiy. When the residentheard him out, he grew anxious and ordered Starostin to “urgently go to the club inMikrorayon. Boris Semyonovich is there, attending a concert. Tell him what you told me.”Within twenty minutes, Valery found Ivanov and asked the general to accompanyhim on a stroll. Having heard the information that Khost had given Valery, Ivanov becamevery nervous. “Valery Ivanovich, please meet with Khost as soon as possible. Tell him thattheir time has not yet come. An untimely uprising could bring our efforts to ruin. Tell himthat when we need their assistance, we will inform them through you.”The next morning, Starostin met with the agent again. Making a reference toMoscow’s instruction, he asked Khost to postpone the planned armed uprising. Valery evenmade up a proverb in Afghan style: “An unripe fruit may hurt the stomach.” Khost rejoicedwhen he heard Valery. “This means that you will support us, that salvation is near! I wasalways sure that the Soviets would never leave their friends in trouble.”“I don’t know exactly what will happen. I don’t know what plans regardingAfghanistan exist in the Kremlin. I am only telling you what I was told to tell you,” repliedStarostin.709