Synopsis This investigative report on the secret CIA operations during the 1980s Russia-Afghanistan war tells of the billion-dollar-a-year effort to arm, supply, and train the Afghan resistance, and to maintain relations in the region--all centered on an American Congressman, Charlie Wilson from Texas. This true story reads like a thriller as Crile describes the larger-than-life Wilson, who was head of the House Appropriations Committee, and the many CIA operatives, ex-CIA operatives, gun runners, and freedom fighters who were involved in carrying out the operation. The story has added significance because these same weapons later fell into the hands of the Taliban and were used against us. A New York Times Notable Book for 2003.
| Details | | Publication Date: | 2004-05-01 | | Edition Description: | Reprint |
| Size | | Length: | 560 pages | | Height: | 9.3 in | | Width: | 6.3 in | | Thickness: | 1.8 in | | Weight: | 27.2 oz |
Publisher's Note Follows the work of the east Texas congressman and House Defense Appropriation Committee member to fund the arming of the Mujahideen after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, citing his controversial habits, passion to support Pakistan, and friendship with President Zia.
Industry Reviews "[A] vivid narrative, though a reader may wonder how much of this story is true in exactly the way Crile presents it." New York Times Book Review - David Johnston (05/25/2003)
"[S]uperb writing from Crile...will keep even the most vigorous critic of this Contra-like affair reading to the end." Publishers Weekly (05/26/2003)
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