books:

	• Afghanistan: Soviet Vietnam Vladislav Tamarov Mercury House, 1992 - 192 pages average customer review:based on 53 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

As with many other Amazon[.com] reviewers, I received a personal appeal from the author of this book to buy and read his book, and did so. As a former infantry officer who also served in the CIA and knew something of the CIA's support for the anti-Soviet effort there, I was looking forward a deep look at what went wrong.

The book appears to have been censored, both with respect to its content and with respect to its photographs, none of which actually depict Soviet encampments, combat results, or anything beyond the most mundane equipment. It offers little in the way of lessons learned or deep insights comparable, say, to "Afghan Guerrilla Warfare: In the Words of the Mujahiddeen Fighters."

Having said that, I do recommend it for purchase because it is a personal memoire with many excellent black and white photographs of young Soviet men in Afghanistan, and represents, for the author, financial survival and emotional salvation.

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An Honest Account

We in America often forget that most people in this world are just trying to survive from one day to the next. Vladislav Tamarov is thrown into the Soviet Union's ill-fated military adventure in Afghanistan, and there he tries to survive from one minute to the next. He also tries, courageously and often in vain, to help his comrades survive, having been assigned the most dangerous job: minesweeper. He bravely shares every aspect of his horrifying story. He effectively conveys the harsh (un)reality of war. The photos that affected me the most were of the young soldiers, who look far too young to be where they are. A must read for anyone who wants to understand what war is really like.

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A Soldier's Experience in Words & Photos

It is a rare book that can describe how a boy-soldier becomes a man in two short years: this is one of those rare books. Cowardice, cunning, courage, selfishness, genorosity, human understanding and compassion: all these experiences are described or touched upon in the book. It is filled with snapshot experiences and recollections of fellow soldiers or the Afghani people that the author encountered. This book should be required reading in a college or university class about world history: it is a valid first-person account of the realities of the Russian experience in Afghanistan in the early 1980s.

The story begins when the author was drafted and selected at random to be a mine-sweeper, a delicate and dangerous job. At the time, the Russian people were being told the soldiers are going to Afghanistan to help build roads and schools. Sadly, the goals of the conflict were not clear and therefore while the bodies of young dead soldiers were returning home: the "big lie" continued ... The author manages to capture in crystal clear terms the incongruities of war. He paints word pictures of events and situations: including friendships and bonds that developed with fellow soldiers. The clear need to be covered for potential snipers when performing the mine-sweeping duties is evident: trust is necessary. The cleverness of a superior to avoid being involved in any fighting where risk of death occurred is described. The selfish motives of a fellow soldier who is a "snitch" is described. The temptation to "take out" a fellow soldier who continually puts his mates lives in danger is mentioned ... The genorosity of Afghani villagers who were asked for fresh baked bread, which they provided, brings to mind that human beings still care and are compassionate toward strangers. The photographs of young soldiers, many of whom died in battle brings the reader face to face with the realities of war. The loss of these innocent lives is a tragedy: sons, brothers, fathers, friends ... from this one can extrapolate the universal message provided by this "first person" account. Fortunately, the author survived, he served his time, but there is an emotional price paid for anyone who lives through such experiences. Essentially, it can only be understood by those who have experienced similar circumstances. Viet Nam Veterans visited the Russian soldiers who had survived the Afghanistan war: they provided an extraordinairy link and bond to help them assimilate the experiences and return to normal lives ... "soldiers helping soldiers". This is a story of innocence, courage, and eventually wisdom ... it is a great book to read! Erika Borsos (erikab93)

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An Excellent Eye Witness Account

It's both sobering and enlightning--this first-hand account of
a young Russian soldier's involvement in the Afghanistan campaign by the Soviets. Vladislav Tamarov, young and innocent as are many of our soldiers everywhere, does his duty to his country and is sent to Afghanistan, where he sees--and records--some of the disasters and tragedies of that war, a war that eventually the Soviets had to concede.

Mr. Tamarov combines some very personal and touching accounts of his experiences there with some vivid--and telling--photographs.
"War is Hell," we're told and this book seems to reflect this sentiment well.

This is a good book and I recommend it highly. And young Mr. Tamarov is a good looking young man, too!

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