During the 1800s, Britain and Russia competed for influence in southern Asia. When they failed to conquer Afghanistan, the two countries agreed to leave it alone. Afghanistan thus became a buffer state—a country separating opposing powers.
In December 1979, Soviet troops marched into Afghanistan to help put down a revolt at the request of the Afghan government. Millions of people fled the country, many settling in refugee camps in Pakistan. With the help of the United States, Pakistan armed and trained Afghan resistance fighters who attacked Soviet forces.
Buffer State
What is a buffer state?
A buffer state is a country separating opposing powers.
