How Carter's covert aid to Afghan rebels redefined his foreign policy record

The state funeral of former President Jimmy Carter took place in Washington, D.C., after his passing on December 29, 2023, at the age of 100. The funeral rites commenced on January 2, 2024, with a military honor guard carrying his casket into the U.S. Capitol for a public viewing. A motorcade transported his remains, while military bands played hymns reflecting his deep Christian faith. Significant figures, including Supreme Court Justices and the D.C. mayor, honored him during the ceremonies. Carter's body lay in state for two nights, allowing many to pay their respects in the traditional manner following presidential deaths. Carter's legacy as a foreign policy novice transformed during his presidency, particularly highlighted by his covert assistance to Afghan insurgents before the Soviet invasion in 1979. This secret action was seen as an early response to rising Soviet influence in Afghanistan and reflected a commitment to counter Soviet actions, ultimately impacting U.S. policy well beyond his administration. The CIA reportedly authorized nearly $700,000 to aid the insurgency, marking a pivotal moment in U.S.-Soviet relations amid various geopolitical upheavals of the time. Despite facing significant criticism for his foreign policies during his presidency and the subsequent loss to Ronald Reagan in the 1980 election, Carter's actions laid the groundwork for future developments in the Cold War. Reagan expanded the aid to Afghan rebels, significantly increasing U.S. support, which contributed to the eventual Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989. Carter is now viewed through a more nuanced lens, as his strategies set crucial precedents in American foreign policy that influenced the trajectory of U.S. engagements with the Soviet Union throughout the 1980s. Carter's return to the capital for funeral rites underscored his significance in American history, both as a former president and as a humanitarian. While he is often labeled a political failure, his contributions to foreign policy and human rights have gained recognition over time, influencing how younger generations perceive his time in office. The state funeral served as a moment of reflection on his lengthy life and the profound impact he had on both national and international levels, thus reclaiming a narrative that intertwines his leadership with pivotal historical events.