The Road to Afghanistan - George Washington University

the military transport division of the air force. The colonel invited his guests to enter, lit akerosene oil lamp, and asked for tea to be served. Taraki addressed Qadir with a short andsolemn speech: “According to our rules, it is necessary to pass a testing period beforejoining our party. But, as we trust you, we will make an exception for you. You can becomea member right away. Congratulations.”The host was surprised. “Thank you for your trust, but I would like to say right awaythat I will not tolerate any intrigues, tricks, or dirt-slinging. I will not participate in yoursquabbles.”Amin came to his mentor’s assistance. “You don’t trust us?”“Can one trust politicians?” the colonel responded.“It is a wrong attitude. We came to you first. And we also want to inform you that theparty has united and there are no longer any disagreements in our ranks.”This was how the PDPA acquired Abdul Qadir and several hundred of his allies fromthe air force and air defense.At the very beginning of spring, Amin sent an invitation for the colonel to come tothe house of another pilot, Assadullah Sarwari. His house was located in the western part ofKabul. In addition to Amin and Sarwari, the commander of the armored battalion, Watanjar,was present. Amin, having personally checked to be sure there were no eavesdroppers inadjacent rooms, declared: “Comrades, I would like to introduce a very important decision.The Politburo believes that if Daoud learns about us, he will strike a blow against theleadership of the party. This information was received from a source close to the president.If members of the Politburo are arrested, then the party’s military branch will have to act.You must,” he looked severely at the officers, “undertake certain steps, including initiating42