The Road to Afghanistan - George Washington University

“We will send you the translation,” promised Brezhnev, taking a short break fromreading his prepared text. He was about to convey the most important message, which wasthe main reason for inviting this Afghan revolutionary to the Kremlin: “Many times, in ourconversations and correspondence, we have touched upon the importance of a trulycollective party leadership and the need for strict adherence to the principles of collectiveleadership. I know that your Politburo recently adopted a number of excellent decrees inthis regard. However, it seems that it is taking much too long to implement these decrees. Iam going to frankly tell you, Comrade Taraki, that we are convinced that the lack ofresolution of this issue, as well as violations of the norms of inner-party democracy and thegroundless repression against your party comrades, hold back the energy of the party,prevent the evolution of its creative powers, and create an atmosphere of tension amongthe cadres and the population.”Having uttered such a long monologue, Brezhnev paused and gave his Afghan guesta stern look above his reading glasses. The guest seemed depressed. Gavrilov, who wasinterpreting the conversation and who had familiarized himself with Brezhnev’s text inadvance, turned pale. He nervously shuffled his papers. The moment was coming whenBrezhnev was supposed to warn his Afghan guest about the imminent danger. Would thegeneral secretary of PDPA be able to perceive this warning adequately? Would he be able tounderstand it?“I would not consider my duty fulfilled to the end, Comrade Taraki, if, in confidence,I did not touch on an issue that is of great concern to us. Not only to us, but according to theinformation that we have, to some PDPA activists as well,” Brezhnev put emphasis on thosewords. “Your special role as the general secretary and the chairman of the Revolutionary503