President Jimmy Carter initiated covert aid to Afghan insurgents prior to the Soviet invasion, showcasing a significant aspect of his foreign policy.
The aid effort, which allowed nonlethal support, became crucial in shaping the Afghan resistance and ultimately contributed to the Soviet withdrawal in 1989.
Carter's decision is linked to the aspiration to counter the rising Soviet influence following a coup in Afghanistan.
Despite criticism, historians argue that the administration's actions laid a foundation for later U.S. policies against the Soviet Union during the Cold War.