SOUTHWEST ASIA: Selling the Carter Doctrine

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Meanwhile, the Soviets continue to step up their eight-week-old occupation of Afghanistan. Some Washington analysts estimate that the Soviet force, about 80,000 troops, has suffered 2,500 killed and wounded since the takeover. In the population centers, Afghan insurgents snipe and toss rocks at the Soviets.

Military attaches in Kabul believe that the Chinese may be sending automatic weapons, bazookas and a few small mortars to aid the rebels—but not directly across their border, which is virtually impassable. "A sturdy Swiss with a yak caravan financed by National Geographic might be able to cross in high summer," said a Western diplomat. "But wheeled vehicles are out of the question and even camels are doubtful." More likely, say observers, China may be sending in weapons by way of Pakistan.