2 Documentaries — 1 - Iran / Iraq 1980-1988 — 2 - Russia In Afghanistan 1979-1989 — Iran / Iraq 1980-1988: — The war began September 22, 1980 when Iraqi troops launched a full-scale invasion of Iran. — Iraq expected that Iran w... more »as weak after the iranian Revolution, so Iraq would face little resistance.
The war lasted eight years and there were heavy losses on both sides, with 600,000 Iranians and 400,000 Iraqis killed.
Iraq's ruthless dictator shocked the world by using cyanide gas against the civilian Kurds - all captured by ITN British News cameramen.
But despite Iraq's initial successes, the Iranians rallied and, using their much larger population, were able by mid-1982 to push the invaders out.
In June 1982, the Iranians went on the offensive, but Iraq, with a significant advantage in heavy weaponry, was able to prevent a decisive invasion breakthrough.
However, Saddam Husein's ambitious plans for developing Iran into a world power came to a halt.
Many believe this war was the precursor of the next war, the invasion of Kuwait and "Desert Storm."
Russia In Afghanistan 1979-1989:
After a violent military coup in 1978, communist power was established in Afghanistan.
But the new government was soon challenged by armed resistance fighters.
Early in 1979, the city of Herat rose in open revolt - an event that lead to Soviet invasion later that year.
Despite modern firepower, the Soviets found it impossible to defeat a popular guerrilla army.
Logistically, they were at a disadvantage.
With ill-suited uniforms and fighting tactics, morale was low.
The Soviets had underestimated their enemy and didn';t have enough forces to win.
As the new year blizzard of 1980 swept in, so did the realization that their army would collapse.
Yet they fought on, experiencing the bloodiest battles from 1985 to 1986.
By 1989, the Soviets had lost 15,000 troops and their will to remain in Afghanistan.« less
