Speech #990010314

In each interview clear distinctions were made among: Soviet troops (ahuraw) or Russian troops (rums). government forces. sometimes called askare daula4i sometimes askare Babrak and P.D.P.A. members. who were identified as K7algi or Parcham. There Is reason to believe that Soviet officers are distrustful of the Afghan soldiers. most of whom are reluctant draftees with a high rate of desertion or of defection to the resistance. In recent months the Soviets seem to be changing their strategy and attempting to close the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Refugees on their way to Pakistan are arrested and tortured. their defenseless caravans bombed or strafed. But whatever the strategy. the violations of basic human rights and the laws of war continue.