The Road to Afghanistan - George Washington University

another Central Committee member, the Parchami Suleyman Layeq. Layeq was a Pashtunknown as a fine lyrical poet and an intellectual. Like Karmal, Layeq had also recently beenreleased from prison. He had turned himself in after having learned that his comrades hadbeen arrested. Babrak and Layeq exchanged a long traditional greeting before turning awayto face the window.“So, it’s a revolution?” asked Babrak, nodding towards the street.“More of a military coup, but Allah knows, we had nothing to do with it. It wasrealized without taking the will of the Central Committee into consideration. The Khalqisdecided to act. History is written by the victors, isn’t it?”“It’s true,” Babrak confirmed gloomily. “The most important thing now is to notallow these political adventurists to commit some stupid acts. History will never forgive usif there is major bloodshed.”“Blood has already been shed and, mark my words, there will be more. Very littledepends on us now. The military mounted their horses. They will gallop as fast as possible,rattling their sabers. Heads will roll, guilty and innocent alike.”Karmal told Layeq that during their short trip from the prison to the offices of RadioAfghanistan, Hafizullah Amin had clambered on top of the armored vehicle at a crowdedcross section, put handcuffs on himself, waved his shackled arms to passers-by, andshouted, “It’s time to break the chains that the hated regime has long used to shackle theAfghan people. Long live freedom!”“He will turn out to be the main hero of this ‘revolution,’” Karmal predicted.“That rings true,” agreed Layeq. Lowering his voice, he added, “Do you know whatmany comrades are discussing amongst themselves? They say that Daoud’s people had82