Babrak Karmal

Babrak Karmal, born on January sixth, nineteen twenty-nine, was a prominent Afghan communist revolutionary and politician. He served as the general secretary of the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan from nineteen seventy-nine to nineteen eighty-six, a period marked by significant political upheaval in the country. Karmal's political journey began at Kabul University, where he developed leftist views and was introduced to Marxism during his imprisonment for radical activities.

As a founding member of the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA), Karmal became the leader of the Parcham faction following the party's split in nineteen sixty-seven. His political career included a term in the Lower House after the nineteen sixty-five parliamentary election, although he lost his seat in nineteen sixty-nine. Karmal played a crucial role in the rise of Mohammad Daoud Khan in nineteen seventy-three, but tensions grew as Daoud initiated a purge of leftist influences in the mid-seventies.

In nineteen seventy-eight, Karmal was instrumental in the Saur Revolution, which brought the PDPA to power. He was appointed Deputy Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, but soon faced challenges from the Khalq faction. After a failed coup attempt, Karmal was exiled to Prague, fearing for his life due to threats from the Afghan secret police. His fortunes changed when the Soviet Union intervened in Afghanistan in December nineteen seventy-nine, leading to his appointment as Chairman of the Revolutionary Council and Chairman of the Council of Ministers.

During his tenure, Karmal attempted to implement reforms, including a general amnesty for political prisoners and the replacement of the Khalqist flag. However, these efforts did not resonate with the Afghan populace, and he was perceived as a Soviet puppet. By nineteen eighty-six, under Mikhail Gorbachev's leadership, Karmal was deposed and exiled to Moscow. He returned to Afghanistan in nineteen ninety-one, aided by Anahita Ratebzad, and became associated with Abdul Rashid Dostum. Karmal's life came to an end in nineteen ninety-six due to liver cancer.