AFGHANISTAN: Bogged Down in a Frustrating War

A rare glimpse of Soviet forces under guerrilla fire

Virtually forgotten amid the headlines from the Middle East and South Atlantic is a stubborn conflict in Afghanistan, where determined guerrillas continue to resist a 100,000-strong Soviet occupation force. Last month, in the largest operation since their December 1979 invasion of Afghanistan, the Soviets tried to root out the well-disciplined mujahedin of the lush Panjshir Valley, north of Kabul. TIME's William Dowell spent 22 days, disguised in a native tunic and baggy pantaloons, trekking over 16,000-ft. passes with a guerrilla caravan in order to witness the combat. Dowell's report:

Day after day,...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!