The Road to Afghanistan - George Washington University

A week later, Osadchiy summoned Starostin to his office. They talked about a varietyof issues before the resident surprised Valery by asking, “In your opinion, what would bethe most desirable means of physically eliminating Amin, taking into consideration thespecifics of the Afghan cultural mindset?”“I suppose he should be eliminated by Afghan patriots, preferably Khalqis. It wouldbe better to kill him in public, by a straight shot to the face, or for a suicide bomber to killhim at point blank with a grenade. The murderer must die along with Amin. This would bestriking and would impress the Afghans as a courageous act.”“Where can we find such a person?”“If necessary, we will find one within a few days. Many people suffered on account ofAmin, and many are prepared to give their lives for revenge. All that is needed is theweapon and logistics for the set-up.”“What do you think about poisoning Amin?”“As far as I know, only women use poison in Afghanistan. Not just women, but oldwomen. Killing him with poison might result in a sense of pity for him and contempt for themurderer.”“Fine, Valery, I am only talking in the abstract. May Amin continue to live and bewell, for now,” laughed Osadchiy.Valery remembered another grim episode from 1979. On December 14, the deputyhead of PGU, General Kirpichenko, then a recent arrival from Moscow, called him for ameeting.710