Babrak Karmal

ModernPoliticianAfghanistan1929 — ?

Soviet-installed Afghan president.

Compare Babrak Karmal with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

1929

Country

Afghanistan

Era

Modern

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)33

Political (20%)29

Influence (20%)49

Legacy (20%)38

Leadership (15%)55

Strategy (15%)53

Total Score43.0

Babrak Karmal — Complete Timeline

1979 AD

Presidency of Afghanistan (1979-1986)Political Action◆ Major

Babrak Karmal was installed as President of Afghanistan by the Soviet Union in December 1979, following the Soviet invasion. He led the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan during the early years of the Soviet-Afghan War, implementing unpopular reforms and relying on Soviet military support.

Soviet InvasionPuppet GovernmentCommunist

Impact: national

1986 AD

Replacement by Najibullah (1986)Political Action◆ Major

Karmal was replaced as General Secretary of the People's Democratic Party by Mohammad Najibullah in May 1986, under Soviet pressure. He was effectively sidelined, though he remained in Afghanistan until his death. This marked the end of his direct political influence.

Power StruggleNajibullahSoviet Policy

Impact: national

1996 AD

Death in Moscow (1996)Other

Babrak Karmal died in Moscow in 1996, reportedly from liver cancer. He had been living in exile in the Soviet Union since his removal from power. His death went largely unnoticed in Afghanistan, where the civil war was raging.

ExileDeathMoscow

Impact: national