The Road to Afghanistan - George Washington University

convinced that Afghans, more than other Iranian peoples, had genetically inherited thenoble features of their ancient Aryan * ancestors. It’s possible that this belief was theimpetus for the attempt early in his presidency to rename Afghanistan “Aryana.” Daoud’sbehavior and his attitude towards important issues was informed by the principles ofPashtunwali, an example of which could be seen in his illustrious progenitors, who knewhow to bravely face mortal danger. Understanding that his cause was lost, the presidentacted as a true Afghani should in such a situation. Even his enemies would later honor hiscourage and noble spirit.Immediately after the beginning of the siege, Daoud ordered his family to bebrought to the palace: his brother, wife, children, and grandchildren. It was suggested thathe find shelter in the French embassy located near the Ark. The French were alerted to thepossibility and agreed to it. The president decisively rejected the offer—“No, I’m stayinghere.” All the other members of his family made the same decision.***After their liberation, almost all of the PDPA leaders gathered at the offices of RadioAfghanistan, which had become the de facto headquarters of the uprising. April 27 wasalmost over. Messages reporting the capture of various government and security sitesarrived continuously. By evening the only important site that remained outside of rebelcontrol was the presidential palace. The revolutionaries were intoxicated by the sense ofimminent victory. Kabul, the key to power in Afghanistan, was in their hands. Only one stepremained—to storm the palace and finish the uprising.In a corridor filled with armed officers and soldiers, Babrak Karmal bumped into* Arii (“noble”), or Aryans, were the ancestors of peoples who spoke Iranian languages (Persians, Tajiks,Pashtuns, Kurds, Ossetians, and others), as well as some peoples who inhabited India.81