What did the Soviet Union stand to gain if it controlled Afghanistan?

a warm-water port
another political ally
a victory over the U.S.
access to lots of oil

Question

What did the Soviet Union stand to gain if it controlled Afghanistan?

a warm-water port
another political ally
a victory over the U.S.
access to lots of oil

Falconmaster · Answer

more than one answer @JustSaiyan

Shadow · Answer

The Middle East is infamous for what?

Falconmaster · Answer

oil

Shadow · Answer

*cough* OPEC

Shadow · Answer

Yes

Falconmaster · Answer

and a?

Shadow · Answer

Falconmaster · Answer

thanks

Shadow · Answer

Leaning towards a victory over the U.S. as well.

Shadow · Answer

Since "the mujahideen groups were backed primarily by the United States and Pakistan"

Shadow · Answer

Therefore if they defeated Afghan, by extension they would defeat the U.S.

Shadow · Answer

Or rather, have a victory over them

Shadow · Answer

Don't know about political ally though, I wouldn't think so :P