Question

given that the soviet union fought in afghanistan, why was it considered a proxy war?
the soviet union answered the afghans’ request for help.
the mujahideen fought on behalf of the united states.
the combatants in the war represented myriad interests.
the united states did not directly engage in battle.

Explanation:

A proxy war is a conflict where major powers support opposing sides without directly fighting each other. In the Soviet - Afghan War, the United States supported the mujahideen but did not directly engage in battle against the Soviet Union.

• Option 1: The Soviet Union's response to the Afghans' request for help does not define a proxy war.
• Option 2: The mujahideen fought for their own (and Afghan) interests against the Soviets, not solely on behalf of the US.
• Option 3: Combatants representing myriad interests is not the definition of a proxy war.
• Option 4: The US not directly engaging in battle while supporting the opposing side (mujahideen) against the Soviet Union fits the proxy war definition.

Answer:

D. The United States did not directly engage in battle