Karmal, Babrak (1929–1996)

Afghani communist politician, president 1979–86. In 1965 he formed the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA). As president, with Soviet backing, he sought to broaden the appeal of the PDPA but encountered wide resistance from the Mujahedin (Muslim guerrillas).

Karmal was imprisoned for anti-government activity in the early 1950s. He was a member of the government 1957–62 and of the national assembly 1965–72. In December 1979 he returned from brief exile in Eastern Europe with Soviet support to overthrow President Hafizullah Amin and was installed as the new head of state. Karmal was persuaded to step down as president and PDPA leader in May 1986 as the USSR began to search for a compromise settlement with opposition groupings and to withdraw troops. In July 1991 he returned to Afghanistan from exile in Moscow.