The Road to Afghanistan - George Washington University

and respectful when he met with the KGB representative. As to Osadchiy, he never doubtedthe resident’s loyalty.On March 19, General Ivanov met with Taraki and Amin. As had been decided inMoscow, Boris Semyonovich immediately introduced himself as the personalrepresentative of the chairman of the KGB, who had arrived in Afghanistan to consult topDRA leadership on security-related issues.Having listened to their guest, Taraki smiled and nodded in agreement, as if he hadpersonally asked for the KGB general to be sent to Afghanistan. Amin, however, haddifficulty hiding his irritation. He was obviously thinking, “we are pleading for them to sendtroops and instead they bring us another adviser with brotherly greetings from theirPolitburo members.” However, the Afghan second-in-command restrained himself fromventing his frustration.“You’ve arrived at a very difficult time for us,” said Amin with a radiant smile. “Thesituation in Herat is such that if we don’t receive military aid from the Soviet Union now,the rebels will capture the province and continue to advance into the country.”Ivanov, who was very perceptive, felt that the Afghan minister was most displeased.“I think that during Comrade Taraki’s visit to Moscow tomorrow, our leaders will clarifytheir specific position about providing help to combat the counter-revolution. This is why Iask you to allow me to avoid discussing this issue during today’s meeting,” said Ivanov.Taraki, smiling kindly, nodded his consent. Amin also harnessed his emotions, andhis countenance conveyed exaggerated pleasure.“I love the Soviet Union so much—I deeply respect your leaders. And, franklyspeaking, I would very much like to go to Moscow together with Comrade Taraki,” said394