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Real Time History (N/A)

Season 2026 • Episode 8 • Afghanistan's Downfall - Civil War 1989-1993

8 / 12

Real Time History Season 2026, Episode 8: Afghanistan's Downfall - Civil War 1989-1993

0 0 • 24 min • 10.0/10

After the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, the various mujahedeen factions and Afghanistan's neighbours Pakistan, Iran and the USSR are still vying for control. With new weapons still streaming in, some factions are not willing to compromise to achieve their vision of peace and thus Afghanistan descents into civil war. Watch Real Time History Season 2026, Episode 8 Afghanistan's Downfall - Civil War 1989-1993 in HD free online. Enjoy high-quality streaming of Real Time History Season 2026, Episode 8 and share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Episodes

12 episodes
1

Red Army vs. Mujahedeen: Soviet-Afghan War Tactics 1980-85

The Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan was supposed to be a quick show of force to pacify the country and install a more Moscow-friendly leadership for the Afghan communist regime. But the 40th Army (officially "Limited Contingent of Soviet Troops in Afghanistan") soon found themselves embroiled in a counter insurgency which they weren't prepared for. The tactical successes and increasingly brutal methods against the guerilla mujahedeen tactics didn't win hearts and minds of the Afghan population, however.

33 min
2

Why Argentina Lost the Falklands War

On March 28, 1982 almost the entire Argentinian navy, carrying 900 troops, invades the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). The ruling junta is confident Britain won't oppose the Argentinian fait accompli. But Britain's political will and military ability to carry out a successful campaign at the end of an 12,500 km supply line surprises many.

30 min
3

Great Powers Invasion of China: Boxer War 1900-01

After the defeat in the 1st Sino-Japanese War, the Qing Dynasty is under pressure: Some are calling for domestic reforms and ousting Western influence, while the Great Powers want to further open up China for their businesses. Violence erupts when the so called Boxer

27 min
4

Operation Iraqi Freedom 2003: The Invasion

In March 2003, a US-led coalition invades Iraq. US President George W. Bush claims he must disarm Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein of weapons of mass destruction and depose a brutal regime supporting global terror. But after a lightning capture of Baghdad and other Iraqi cities in the south, the war is far from over.

32 min
5

Who Destroyed the Japanese Economy in WW2?

As the war in the Pacific develops, the United States takes the fight to Japan itself – by crippling its economy, destroying its industry, and crushing civilian morale. To do this, American submarines and heavy bombers wage campaigns beneath the sea and above the clouds. And even 80 years later, there’s a fierce debate about which of these campaigns did more to bring Japan to its knees – perhaps even more than the atomic bombs.

26 min
6

Why The Soviet Union Lost In Afghanistan

In February 1989, the last Soviet Combat troops leave Afghanistan after almost a decade of war. Despite military superiority, the super power was not able to establish a stable Moscow-friendly regime in the country. Yet, the mujahedeen are also deeply divided and influenced by outside forces such as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Osama Bin Laden.

31 min
7

Why Did the US Declare war on Great Britain in 1812?

The War of 1812 broke out after a series of escalations between Great Britain and the still young United States. The impressment of American sailors into the Royal Navy desperate to crew their ships in the ongoing war against Napoleon, the question if the US could trade with Britain and France at the same time and thus profit of the war, all came to a head after failed negotiations.

27 min
8

Afghanistan's Downfall - Civil War 1989-1993

After the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, the various mujahedeen factions and Afghanistan's neighbours Pakistan, Iran and the USSR are still vying for control. With new weapons still streaming in, some factions are not willing to compromise to achieve their vision of peace and thus Afghanistan descents into civil war.

24 min
9

How China, Russia, Japan and the West Struggled Over East Asia 1894-1905

The 19th century is a time of violent global imperial competition. The Scramble for Africa and the Great Game between the Russian and British Empires over influence in Central Asia are among the best-known examples. But the 2nd half of the century also involved another Great Game – the Great Game for Asia.

85 min
10

Rommel's Rampage - Battle for North Africa Spring 1941

The Italian Army in North Africa is in disarray after the British Operation Compass. Hitler reluctantly sends help in the form of the newly formed Africa Corps under Erwin Rommel. Despite his orders, he immediately goes on the offensive and pushes back the British which are also reeling from the Axis invasion of Greece and Yugoslavia. But Rommel's bold leadership style has drawbacks and in May 1941, the vital port town of Tobruk still holds out.

25 min
11

Japan's Downfall: Pacific War from Tarawa to Okinawa

In 1944 the days of dashing Japanese victories in the Pacific theatre are over. But the Empire is not defeated yet and desperate to at least gain a favorable position for peace negotiations. Against the full might of the dramatically expanded US Navy, Marines and Army forces, the Japanese are determined to fight to the last.

220 min
12

The Battle of Fallujah and the Iraqi Insurgency 2003-04

n May 2003, US President George W. Bush announces the end of major combat operations in the Iraq War and officially shifts to occupation and reconstruction. But an anti-US insurgency is quickly spreading and the country is quickly descending into violence. Even the capture of Saddam Hussein does not help stabilizing Iraq.

32 min