The Soviets were not defeated and
driven out of Afghanistan

Soviet withdrawal was a Soviet political decision

Soviets 1988-1989 withdrawal was coordinated,
deliberate and professional
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Soviets left behind a functioning government, an
improved military and an advisory and economic
effort insuring the continued viability of the
government.

The withdrawal was based on a coordinated
diplomatic, economic and military plan permitting
Soviet forces to withdraw in good order and the
Afghan government to survive.
The Democratic Republic of Afghanistan (DRA) held
on despite the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Only then, with the loss of Soviet support and the
increased efforts by the Mujahideen and Pakistan,
did the DRA slide toward defeat in April 1992.

From 1979-1989, the Soviet 40
th
Army conducted
220 independent operations and over 400 combined
operations. Many large-scale operations
accomplished little, since this was primarily a tactical
commanders’ war. Three large-scale operations, the
initial incursion into Afghanistan, Operation Magistral
and the final withdrawal, were the most effective
operations of the war--the force and supporting
measures employed were appropriate to the mission.

The Soviet effort to withdraw in good order was well
executed and is a model for other disengagements.
american professional source
Soviet COIN in A-stan COIN Central