I. IntroductionThe Afghan insurgency between 1979 and 1989 ended with the withdrawal of the armed forces of the Soviet Union. This "successful" rebellion was not only due to the fact that the Soviet Union viewed the Taliban as simply an Islamist movement and underestimated their resistance fighters, but it was also believed that the particular characteristics that Taliban insurgents possess, such as motivation and strategy played an important role. This article will evaluate the particular characteristics that identify the Taliban as an insurgent group, particularly the purpose and motivation of their fight, popular support, and the strategies and tactics they used to expel the Soviet Union from Afghan soil. Overall, this essay argues that these three characteristics constitute some of the many causes that contributed to the Soviet Union's withdrawal from Afghanistan. To summarize, this essay will sequentially examine the characteristics of the Afghan movement, first the goal and motivation, then the popular support for their movement and their strategies and tactics against the Soviet Union. Additionally, in conclusion, there will be a summary of the article and some recommendations for further research to complete the understanding of the Afghan Mujahideen insurgency.II. Objectives and Motivations Understanding the objectives and motivations of any non-state insurgent group is the key to defeating them. Misunderstanding them will most likely lead to failure. However, the organization of non-state insurgent groups is fluid, meaning the goal of their fights often changes just as quickly. It is important to recognize these changes because it will also change the characteristics of the war they fought. Within a fluid non-state...... middle of paper ......Mason, Thomas H. Johnson and M. Chris (2007), "Understanding the Taliban and the Insurgency in Afghanistan", Orbis, 51 (1), 18.Naby, Eden (1998), “Islam within the Afghan Resistance”, Third World Quarterly, 10 (2), 20.Rich, Paul B. (2010), “Contre -insurgency or war on terrorism? The war in Afghanistan and the debate over Western strategy”, Small Wars & Insurgencies, 21 (2), 16. Sabrosky, Alan Ned (1990), “Red Star falling? The Soviet “Little War” in Afghanistan,” Small Wars & Insurgencies, 1 (1), 11. Tadman, Kyle (2013), “An American Provocation: United States Foreign Policy During the Soviet-Afghan War,” Western Illinois Historical Review, V, 35. Vinci, Rune Henriksen & Anthony (2007), “Combat Motivation in Non-State Armed Groups,” Terrorism and Political Violence, 20 (1), 22. Williams, Vince (2014), “ Insurgency and Non-State Security Challenges', (1; Macquarie University).