The Road to Afghanistan - George Washington University

influential Islamist organizations. It was named the National Salvation Front, and was thefirst alliance of mujahadeen. The Front was led by Burhanuddin Rabbani, who would servefor many years as one of the main leaders of jihad.***Taraki left for Moscow on December 4. He was provided with an Il-62 airplane forthe journey from the aviation group that served the top Soviet leadership. Two days priorto his departure, Soviet representatives in Kabul had to resolve an unexpected issue. It wasassumed that during Taraki’s absence, Amin, his undisputed right-hand man in the stateand in the party, would fulfill his functions. Suddenly, however, after all of the protocolissues had already been settled and the delegation lists confirmed, Amin informed ColonelBogdanov that he also would like to “quietly and unofficially” visit Moscow. Bogdanovcouldn’t hide his astonishment. “Does it make sense for the two leaders of the country toleave during such a precarious situation?”But Amin wouldn’t take no for an answer. “We have other respected comrades. Forexample, Sarwari and Watanjar,” he responded. “And you, Comrade Bogdanov, are stayinghere to perform your duties. If needed, you will always be able to instruct my colleagues. Itrust you to make the right decision. I personally ask you to help govern our state in ourabsence. And besides,” Amin added, “I would like to meet with Comrade Andropov.”Bogdanov decided that Amin could have made arrangements for that meetingthrough his own channels, bypassing the KGB representative. He decided not to argue anyfurther.A splendidly arranged departure ceremony took place at the airport for the Afghandelegation. Bogdanov also stood in the line of Soviet embassy staff waiting to shake the258