Question

this political cartoon was published in 1980. the main message of the cartoon is that the two sides are engaged in a friendly duel. muslim rebels have invaded the soviet union. muslim rebels are resisting the invading soviet forces. the two sides are involved in a border dispute.

Explanation:

1. Analyze the first option: A "friendly duel" is inconsistent with the context of conflict (Soviet - Afghan situation), so this is incorrect.
2. Analyze the second option: The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, not the other way around (Muslim rebels invading the Soviet Union), so this is wrong.
3. Analyze the third option: In 1979, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, and Muslim rebels (Mujahideen) resisted the Soviet forces. The cartoon shows the Soviet figure (with USSR label) and Muslim rebels in Afghanistan, so this matches the historical context.
4. Analyze the fourth option: The conflict was not a simple border dispute but a full - scale invasion and resistance, so this is incorrect.

Answer:

C. Muslim rebels are resisting the invading Soviet forces.