Early Life and Political Beginnings

Babrak Karmal was born on January 6, 1929, in Kabul, Afghanistan, into a privileged family. His father served as a general in the Afghan army, which allowed Karmal to access a high-quality education. He studied law and political science at Kabul University, where he actively engaged in student activism. Influenced by Marxist and socialist ideologies, Karmal co-founded the People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) in 1965. This party would later play a pivotal role in shaping Afghan politics.

Factionalism within the PDPA

Karmal rose as the leader of the Parcham (“Banner”) faction of the PDPA, which supported more gradual and pragmatic socialist reforms. The party became divided when the rival Khalq (“Masses”) faction, led by Nur Muhammad Taraki and Hafizullah Amin, began pushing for radical revolutionary changes. Although both factions initially cooperated during the Saur Revolution in April 1978—overthrowing President Mohammed Daoud Khan—they soon entered a bitter power struggle.

Exile and Soviet-Backed Return

After the revolution, the Khalq leadership sidelined Karmal and sent him into exile as ambassador to Czechoslovakia. However, Hafizullah Amin’s brutal purges and political instability alarmed the Soviet Union. In December 1979, the Soviet military intervened in Afghanistan, assassinated Amin, and brought Karmal back to power as President. The Soviets heavily facilitated his return, and many Afghans viewed him as a puppet leader imposed by a foreign superpower.

Presidency and Soviet Influence

Karmal served as President of Afghanistan from 1979 to 1986. During his presidency, he tried to soften the PDPA’s radical policies by promoting national reconciliation and granting amnesty to political prisoners. However, his government failed to control the growing insurgency led by Islamic mujahideen groups. His increasing reliance on the Soviet military—with more than 100,000 troops deployed—further eroded his credibility among Afghans. Despite Soviet backing, Karmal could not establish stability or popular support.

Resignation and Final Years

In 1986, Soviet leaders pressured Karmal to step down as part of their new strategy for Afghanistan. They replaced him with Mohammad Najibullah. Karmal briefly held a ceremonial role before losing all political influence. He eventually moved to Moscow, where he lived in exile until his death on December 3, 1996.

Legacy

Babrak Karmal remains a complex and controversial figure in Afghan history. As a moderate communist, he attempted to bridge ideological divides and implement reforms in a divided society. However, his legacy is largely defined by his association with the Soviet occupation and the civil war that followed. Some remember him as a well-meaning leader trapped in a difficult geopolitical situation, while others see him as a symbol of foreign interference and political failure during one of Afghanistan’s most turbulent decades.