Cold War episode 18 – Good Guys, Bad Guys 1967-1978: The Cold War was not only a confrontation between two superpowers, but also a series of proxy conflicts that involved their allies and surrogates in different regions of the world. One of the main arenas of this surrogate warfare was the Middle East, where the United States and the Soviet Union competed for influence and resources. In 1967 and 1973, Israel, backed by the United States, defeated Egypt and Syria, supported by the Soviet Union, in the Six Day War and the Yom Kippur War.
These wars reshaped the balance of power in the region and increased the US role as a mediator and a protector of Israel. In Africa, the Soviet Union exploited nationalist and anti-colonial movements to spread its ideology and challenge Western interests. The United States supported South Africa and other anti-communist forces to counter the Soviet expansion.
In Angola, Cuba intervened on behalf of the Marxist MPLA government against the CIA-backed FNLA and UNITA rebels and their South African allies. Cuba also helped Ethiopia repel Somalia’s invasion of the Ogaden region. Some of the people who witnessed or participated in these events include Saad El Shazly, Abba Eban, Simcha Dinitz, Holden Roberto, Pik Botha and Jimmy Carter.
Cold War episode 18 – 1967-1978 – Unraveling the Complex Web of Cold War Proxy Conflicts
The Root Causes and Driving Forces
During the Cold War, a fierce ideological battle between the United States and the Soviet Union unfolded on the global stage. As two superpowers vied for dominance, numerous proxy conflicts emerged in various corners of the world. These proxy wars were not fought directly between the US and the USSR, but rather by their respective allies, often backed by military, financial, and political support.
The fundamental reason behind these conflicts was the struggle between capitalism and communism, which provided the perfect breeding ground for tension and confrontation. However, local and regional factors also played a significant role in fueling these skirmishes. The fight for independence, territorial disputes, and religious differences all served as catalysts for these volatile encounters.
Many historians argue that proxy conflicts during the Cold War were like a high-stakes game of chess, with both superpowers manipulating events to their advantage. Through these proxy wars, the US and USSR sought to extend their influence, weaken their opponent, and gain strategic footholds. Ultimately, these battles were a crucial part of the broader struggle for geopolitical supremacy.
Key Proxy Conflicts: Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Angola
The Vietnam War (1955-1975) is perhaps the most famous example of a Cold War proxy conflict. The US supported South Vietnam in its fight against the communist North, which was backed by the Soviet Union and China. The war ended with the fall of Saigon and the unification of Vietnam under communist rule, marking a significant defeat for the US and its allies.
Another prominent proxy conflict during the Cold War was the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan (1979-1989). The USSR intervened to support the communist government of Afghanistan against the mujahideen, a coalition of various Afghan factions and foreign fighters. The US, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia provided financial and military support to the mujahideen, ultimately forcing the Soviet Union to withdraw and contributing to its eventual collapse.
In Angola (1975-2002), a protracted civil war erupted after the country gained independence from Portugal. The Soviet Union and Cuba backed the Marxist-Leninist Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), while the US and South Africa supported the anti-communist National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). This brutal conflict led to immense suffering and devastation, but ultimately, the MPLA emerged victorious.
Legacy and Lessons Learned from Proxy Conflicts
Proxy conflicts during the Cold War left a lasting impact on the countries involved and the world at large. They led to massive casualties, widespread destruction, and the displacement of millions. In many cases, these conflicts destabilized regions, created power vacuums, and set the stage for future violence and unrest.
As the dust settled and the Cold War ended, the international community had to grapple with the consequences of these proxy wars. Today, many nations are still coping with the scars left by these conflicts, as they work towards rebuilding their societies and reconciling their tumultuous pasts.
However, the legacy of Cold War proxy conflicts also provides valuable lessons. They serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked great power rivalry, the importance of diplomacy, and the need for international cooperation. In an increasingly interconnected and globalized world, these lessons are more relevant than ever, as we strive to prevent history from repeating itself.
Cold War episode 18 – The Yom Kippur War
The Yom Kippur War was a conflict that took place in October 1973 between Israel and a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria. It was the fourth of the Arab-Israeli wars, and it started on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement. It also coincided with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk.
The war was triggered by the Arab states’ desire to regain the territories that Israel had captured in the Six-Day War of 1967, such as the Sinai Peninsula and the Golan Heights. The Arab states also wanted to pressure Israel to negotiate a peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue, in accordance with United Nations Resolution 242, which called for Israel’s withdrawal from occupied lands.
The war began with a surprise attack by Egypt and Syria on October 6, 1973. The Egyptian army crossed the Suez Canal and breached the Israeli defenses along the Bar-Lev Line, while the Syrian army advanced into the Golan Heights. The initial Arab offensive caught Israel off guard and inflicted heavy casualties and losses on its forces. Israel appealed to the United States for military aid, while its generals devised a counterattack strategy.
The tide of the war turned in favor of Israel after a few days of fierce fighting. Israel managed to repel the Syrian attack and push deeper into Syrian territory, threatening Damascus. Israel also launched a daring crossing of the Suez Canal and encircled the Egyptian Third Army, cutting off its supply lines. The war ended with a ceasefire on October 25, 1973, after intense diplomatic efforts by the United States and the Soviet Union, which supported Israel and the Arab states respectively.
The war had significant political and military consequences for both sides. For Israel, the war was a wake-up call that exposed its overconfidence and vulnerability. It also led to a political crisis that resulted in the resignation of Prime Minister Golda Meir and Defense Minister Moshe Dayan. For the Arab states, especially Egypt, the war was a partial success that restored their pride and prestige. It also paved the way for a diplomatic breakthrough that culminated in the 1979 peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, signed by Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin.
