Babrak Karmal

Babrak Karmal was an Afghan communist revolutionary and politician who served as the leader of Afghanistan from 1979 to 1986. Born on January 6, 1929, in Kamari, Kabul Province, he became involved in Marxist political activities during his time at Kabul University. He was imprisoned for his radical views but continued his political journey after his release, becoming a founding member of the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA). Karmal led the Parcham faction of the PDPA and served in the National Assembly from 1965 to 1973. His political career was marked by his support for Mohammad Daoud Khan's government and his subsequent exile to Prague due to internal party rivalries. Karmal returned to power with Soviet support in 1979, serving as president until 1986. His tenure was challenged by the mujahideen resistance and internal PDPA conflicts. He died on December 3, 1996, in Moscow, Russia, and was laid to rest in Hairatan, Afghanistan.