The following CPSU Central Committee document, dated 1 April 1979 and signed by Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko, Defense Minister Dmitrii Ustinov, KGB chief Yurii Andropov, and CC International Department head Boris Ponomarev, provides a strikingly candid assessment of the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan that the Soviet Politburo confronted in spring 1979. The report attributes the increasing success of the Islamic opposition (i.e., the Afghan Mujaheddin) to the “miscalculations and mistakes” of the PDPA (People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan) regime that seized power following the April 1978 “revolution.”

The memo concerns Soviet steps on ties with the development of the situation around Afghanistan.

This document provides information for the leaders of the progressive Afghan political parties; and results of the CC elections.

This document illustrates Moscow's fear regarding the instability and infighting among Afghan political parties, and its corresponding consequences for Soviet involvement in the Middle East.

Concerns the KGB in Kabul and the help of the Iraqi Communist Party.

CPSU CC Politburo transcript regarding attempts to find a solution to the Afghan war and bring resolution to the conflict.