Topic: The Legacy of Operation Cyclone
Description:
Operation Cyclone began as a small, strategic effort to destabilize a failing Marxist regime. It would end by transforming Afghanistan into the crucible of global jihad.
The logic behind the operation was straightforward. The People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA), having seized power in the 1978 Saur Revolution, was facing mass rebellion and depended heavily on Soviet military and economic support. By funneling weapons and money to Afghan resistance fighters, the U.S. could bleed Soviet influence without direct confrontation. Afghanistan would become, in the words of National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski, the Soviet Union’s “Vietnam.”
Operation Cyclone began as a small, strategic effort to destabilize a failing Marxist regime. It would end by transforming Afghanistan into the crucible of global jihad.
The logic behind the operation was straightforward. The People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA), having seized power in the 1978 Saur Revolution, was facing mass rebellion and depended heavily on Soviet military and economic support. By funneling weapons and money to Afghan resistance fighters, the U.S. could bleed Soviet influence without direct confrontation. Afghanistan would become, in the words of National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski, the Soviet Union’s “Vietnam.”
Committee Dais
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Hamdan Khan is part of the class of 2027 at Phillips Exeter. On campus, he is involved with the Soccer team, the Model UN team, Business Club, the Investment Society, and the Exeter Review, where he serves as a board member. Hamdan is a Research Intern at the Hudson Institute under Ambassador Hussain Huqqani and Dr. Aparna Pande. In his spare time, he collects fragrances.
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Hi! My name is Colbie Tipper, and I'm a current junior at Phillips Exeter. I use she/her pronouns and am from Los Angeles, California. I have been a part of MUN for 4 years now, starting at my old school, but I have brought my passion to Exeter as well. Outside of the classroom, I play field hockey and water polo, and am a part of the yearbook, ESSO swim team, student council, and more! In my free time, I enjoy going out to dinner with friends, spending time at the beach, and listening to music. I am excited to serve as your Vice Chair and look forward to meeting you!
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