Charlie Wilson's War: The True Story of How a Congressman Fought the Cold War in Afghanistan

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

Charlie Wilson's War is a 2007 biographical drama film directed by Mike Nichols, written by Aaron Sorkin, and starring Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Amy Adams. The film is based on the real-life events surrounding Charlie Wilson, a Democratic congressman from Texas, his staff member Gust Avrakotos, and their efforts to provide funding and weapons to the Afghan mujahideen during the Soviet-Afghan War.

The Real Charlie Wilson

Charlie Wilson was born in Texas in 1933. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War and then worked as a journalist and businessman before entering politics. In 1973, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he represented the Second Congressional District of Texas.

Wilson was a conservative Democrat who was known for his charisma and his ability to build relationships with people from all walks of life. He was also a strong supporter of the United States military and was a vocal critic of the Soviet Union.

The Soviet-Afghan War

In 1979, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. The invasion was met with international condemnation, and the United States began providing covert support to the Afghan mujahideen, who were fighting against the Soviet occupation.

Wilson was one of the strongest supporters of the mujahideen in Congress. He believed that the United States had a moral obligation to help the Afghan people fight for their freedom.

Operation Cyclone

In 1985, Wilson and Avrakotos launched Operation Cyclone, a covert operation to provide funding and weapons to the mujahideen. The operation was funded by the CIA and was run out of Wilson's office in Congress.

Operation Cyclone was a major success. The mujahideen were able to use the weapons and funding provided by the United States to launch a series of devastating attacks against the Soviet forces. The Soviet Union was eventually forced to withdraw from Afghanistan in 1989.

The Legacy of Charlie Wilson

Charlie Wilson's role in the Soviet-Afghan War was a major turning point in the Cold War. The United States' support for the mujahideen helped to defeat the Soviet Union and to bring about the end of the Cold War.

Wilson's legacy is still debated today. Some believe that he was a hero who helped to win the Cold War. Others believe that he was a warmonger who helped to create the conditions that led to the rise of the Taliban and the 9/11 attacks.

The Film Charlie Wilson's War

The film Charlie Wilson's War is a dramatized account of Wilson's role in the Soviet-Afghan War. The film stars Tom Hanks as Wilson, Julia Roberts as Avrakotos, and Philip Seymour Hoffman as CIA agent Gust Avrakotos.

The film was a critical and commercial success. It was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Hanks. It also won two Golden Globe Awards, for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Actor – Musical or Comedy for Hanks.

Charlie Wilson's War is a powerful and moving film that tells the story of a remarkable man who played a key role in one of the most important events of the Cold War.

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Charlie Wilson's War: The True Story of How a Congressman, a CIA Agent, and a Texas Socialite Fought the Cold War in Afghanistan

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