The Afghanistan landscape was mountainous and desertlike, with poor roadways and communications
The Afghan people knew the local landscape very well and could easily turn this knowledge against the enemy
The conservative Muslim communities disliked communism because it was an atheist ideology, they disliked the government's modernising reforms and the invading Soviet foreigners
Soviet military tactics both on the ground and in the air failed to cope, often turning their frustrations to atrocities against the Afghan people
The mujahidin had support from Saudi Arabia ($600 million a year) and the USA
In 1981, president Ronald Reagan began sending more money and supplies through Pakistan
End of 1982 - the Soviets lost about 5,000 troops and airmen
The Soviets offered to withdraw if the US and Saudi Arabia stopped supporting the mujahidin
Mid-1980s - the strain of the conflict was evident as thousands of young men died
The US were supplying the mujahidin with missiles to take down Soviet helicopters

Soviet War in Afghanistan 1979-1989