Charlie Wilson's War: The Extraordinary Story of the Largest Covert Operation in History

In the annals of history, the Soviet-Afghan War stands as a watershed moment in the Cold War. For nearly a decade, the Soviet Union waged a bloody and futile war against the Afghan resistance, a conflict that ultimately led to the collapse of the Soviet empire. But behind the scenes of this epic struggle, there was another story unfolding, a story of intrigue, diplomacy, and betrayal that would forever alter the course of world events.

Charlie Wilson's War

by George Crile

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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That story is told in Charlie Wilson's War, the gripping account by George Crile of the largest covert operation in history. Wilson, a flamboyant Texas congressman, was a key player in the effort to arm and train the Afghan resistance, a campaign that would ultimately lead to the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan. Crile's book is a masterful work of narrative non-fiction, a gripping tale of courage, betrayal, and the enduring power of human spirit.

The Birth of a Covert Operation

The origins of Charlie Wilson's War can be traced back to the early 1980s, when the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. In response, the United States launched a covert operation to arm and train the Afghan resistance. The operation was led by the CIA and funded by the US Congress. Charlie Wilson, a conservative Democrat from Texas, was one of the most vocal supporters of the effort. Wilson was a colorful character, a former Air Force pilot with a reputation for hard drinking and womanizing. But he was also a shrewd politician with a deep understanding of the region.

Wilson believed that the Afghan resistance could defeat the Soviet Union if they were given the proper support. He worked tirelessly to convince his colleagues in Congress to increase funding for the operation. He also traveled to Afghanistan to meet with resistance leaders and assess their needs. Wilson's efforts were instrumental in the success of the operation. The Afghan resistance, armed with American weapons and training, inflicted heavy casualties on the Soviet forces. The Soviets, unable to defeat the resistance, eventually withdrew from Afghanistan in 1989.

A Legacy of Controversy

Charlie Wilson's War is a complex and controversial story. The operation to arm and train the Afghan resistance was a major victory for the United States, but it also had unintended consequences. The weapons that were provided to the resistance eventually found their way into the hands of the Taliban, who used them to wage a brutal civil war in Afghanistan. The war also contributed to the rise of al-Qaeda, the terrorist group that carried out the 9/11 attacks.

Despite the controversy, Charlie Wilson's War remains a fascinating and important story. It is a story of courage, betrayal, and the enduring power of human spirit. It is also a story that has important implications for the present day. As the United States continues to wage war in Afghanistan, it is important to remember the lessons of Charlie Wilson's War. The war in Afghanistan is a complex and difficult conflict, and there are no easy solutions. But by understanding the history of the conflict, we can better understand the challenges that lie ahead.

Charlie Wilson's War is a gripping account of the largest covert operation in history. It is a story of intrigue, diplomacy, and betrayal that forever altered the course of world events. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the Cold War, the war in Afghanistan, or the role of the United States in world affairs.

George Crile is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author. He has written extensively about the war in Afghanistan, including his book Charlie Wilson's War. Crile is a gifted storyteller who brings the complex and often contradictory world of Afghanistan to life. Charlie Wilson's War is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the Cold War, the war in Afghanistan, or the role of the United States in world affairs.

Charlie Wilson's War

by George Crile

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3917 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	797 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE