Charlie Wilson’s War

Charlie Wilson’s War Audiobook

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Review #1

Charlie Wilson’s War audiobook free

In the backdrop of the Soviet-Afghan War, a book unveils the secretive and intricate relationships that fueled the conflict. “Charlie Wilson’s War: The Extraordinary Story of the Largest Covert Operation in History” by George Crile, a seasoned journalist, highlights the key figures and events during this tumultuous period.

The text details how the majority of the Afghan resistance against the Soviet Union was powered by Mujahideen and Pakistani soldiers, equipped with arms sourced from Israel. These weapons were procured as part of clandestine agreements between General Zia ul Haq and the Israelis. Central to orchestrating this elaborate arms deal was Congressman Charles Wilson of Texas, a staunch supporter of Pakistan, with the influential Texan socialite Joanne Herring at his side. Rumors even suggest an intimate relationship between Herring and General Zia.

During General Zia’s inaugural trip to the US following the Soviet’s Afghan invasion, Wilson proposed the secret arms deal with Israel. This proposal was extended at a lavish dinner in Houston, hosted by Herring, who later earned the title of Honorary Consul of Pakistan and played a pivotal role in the war.

Wilson’s relationship with the Israelis was deep-rooted. He had previously seen the extensive Soviet weaponry the Israelis had acquired from the PLO in Lebanon. Recognizing their value, Wilson suggested the CIA purchase these for the mujahideen. While these weapons would prove invaluable, Zia humorously insisted that they shouldn’t bear the Star of David on their packaging.

Wilson’s proposals went further, hinting at the possibility of Pakistan and Israel embarking on covert military collaborations. Aware of the sensitive nature of such partnerships, Wilson understood the need for discretion. However, both nations shared a mutual adversary in the Soviet Union, which could serve as a foundation for these clandestine dealings.

Wilson operated under the radar, bypassing the usual oversight of congressional affairs abroad. His dealings extended to unusual weapons like the “Charlie Horse,” a multi-rocketed apparatus which he presented to Zia. Furthermore, Wilson envisioned an expanded Afghan war, crafting strategies with Pakistan’s blessings.

Wilson’s unique weapons initiative, driven straight from his congressional office, became an uncanny success. He empowered a team of Pentagon “mad-scientists” with funds and the freedom to innovate without bureaucracy. The resultant weapons, like the “Spanish mortar,” were innovative marvels. Capable of interacting with American satellites, these devices could deliver lethal strikes with astonishing precision. The mere existence of such weaponry played mind games with the Soviets, forcing them to overestimate the capabilities of their adversaries.

Weapons like the Spanish mortar were used sparingly but created significant psychological impacts. One such incident wiped out an entire Soviet outpost, convincing them of the mujahideen’s sophisticated targeting capabilities.

Milt Bearden, the war’s influential station chief, was a major proponent of psychological warfare. His tactics ranged from deploying mujahideen with crossbows to using high-tech weaponry, ensuring the Soviets were perpetually on edge.

This captivating narrative delves deep into the covert strategies and alliances during the Soviet-Afghan War, exposing the lengths nations go to in their quests for dominance.

Review #2

Charlie Wilson’s War audiobook

While many history books, particularly those rooted in investigative journalism, often come across as dull, dry, or solely focused on esoteric subjects, George Crile’s work stands out as a compelling exception. His book chronicles the intriguing journey of Texas Congressman Charlie Wilson and his relentless pursuit to financially back the mujahedeen in Afghanistan during the 1980s.

Partly a portrait of the enigmatic Democrat Charlie Wilson, partly a deep dive into the Afghan war, and partly an analysis of the roles of various US entities in the 1980s Afghan engagement, Crile offers readers a layered narrative. He chronicles how Wilson’s entire identity became intertwined with the mujahedeen and their resistance. Despite lacking in substantial domestic legislative achievements or political clout, Wilson’s life took a pivotal turn upon meeting Texan socialite Joanne Herring. Through her persuasion, he became a tireless advocate for the Afghan cause, leveraging his charm, determination, and influential connections to secure US support.

Crile masterfully portrays the intricate dance of foreign relations, weaving together the stories of the US, Israel, Pakistan, Egypt, and other nations pivotal in the Cold War’s 1980s landscape. He sheds light on Wilson’s instrumental role in facilitating various military and civilian aid packages in exchange for assistance to the Afghan resistance.

Simultaneously, the book doesn’t shy away from exploring Wilson’s flaws. From a drunken hit-and-run incident, multiple extramarital affairs, alleged marijuana-infused parties, to parading scantily clad women in conservative Muslim territories, these events provide an unvarnished look at the congressman. The narrative is also a revealing glimpse into the intricate tapestry of political maneuvering, encompassing unspoken agreements, behind-the-scenes power plays, and bold transgressions.

The narrative’s engrossing and humorous elements are undeniable, often evoking spontaneous laughter. Yet, while it’s tempting to rate such a riveting read a full 5/5 stars, there are two significant oversights. Firstly, the book continually posits that the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan was unprovoked. This contradicts revelations from Zbigniew Brzezinski, President Carter’s National Security Advisor, who in a 2003 interview, disclosed that the US, under CIA guidance, had been arming extreme factions within Afghanistan since the late 1970s, inadvertently beckoning the Soviets. Secondly, the book tends to downplay the Afghan War’s profound effects on the global heroin and opium trade, from which Western banks derived substantial profits.

These omissions not only alter the historical narrative’s complexion but also diminish its overall gravitas. Thus, a 4/5 stars rating seems more appropriate.

Review #3

Audiobook Charlie Wilson’s War by George Crile

Regardless of how much credence you give to Zia-ul-Haq’s claim that Charlie Wilson was the linchpin in the Mujahideen’s triumph over the Soviet Union during the Afghan War, George Crile’s enthralling book underscores Wilson’s pivotal role. Such a victory, it’s argued, subsequently paved the way for the downfall of Communism. Leveraging his position on the Defense appropriations subcommittee, this lesser-known Texan Congressman, with a penchant for extravagance, orchestrated an unlikely alliance. This coalition, which featured a Texan socialite, a shrewd CIA agent, and the governments of nations like Pakistan, Egypt, Israel, and Saudi Arabia, was bound by their shared admiration for Charlie and a united goal to counteract the Russians.

Crile paints a vivid picture of how Wilson substantially amplified the CIA’s war budget, often treading in ethically gray areas. Having secured the funds, he faced an even stiffer challenge—navigating through bureaucratic red tape to ensure the money was spent on weaponry he believed would tilt the scales in the Afghans’ favor. This arsenal eventually incorporated the Stinger missile, which became a game-changer in the conflict.

With a narrative reminiscent of an Ian Fleming thriller, Crile adeptly delves into the motivations propelling Wilson’s fervent campaign against communism, all the while wrestling his personal shortcomings. The book refrains from casting Wilson in black and white, leaving it to the readers to discern. Was he the flamboyant, narcissistic, and hedonistic lawmaker who seemed exempt from the very rules he framed? Or was he a valiant knight fighting against oppressive regimes, advocating for the marginalized, and seeding liberty globally? Likely, the reality is a mix of both. At its core, “Charlie Wilson’s War” serves as a testament to the profound influence a single congressperson can wield.

A critique aimed at Crile is his perceived oversight in connecting the dots between Wilson’s maneuvers and the tragic events of September 11th, 2001. To this, one could argue that Crile’s focus was primarily on one individual’s tale, just a fraction of a broader geopolitical canvas. For readers seeking a more exhaustive exploration of the CIA’s Afghan involvements, Steve Coll’s “Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden, from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001” is a recommended read.

My sole reservation about the book pertains to its periodic redundancy. Characters re-emerging in the narrative after a brief hiatus often had their backgrounds rehashed, with some details feeling repetitively emphasized.

Review #4

Audio Charlie Wilson’s War narrated by Christopher Lane

The book glides seamlessly, echoing the thrill of an intense drama. It’s the kind of riveting tale that hooks you during a leisurely vacation. Truly.

The narrative resonates with the mood of those Judy Garland-Andy Rooney films from the 1930s: Elite blunders and spirited underdogs stepping in to save the day, reminiscent of a scene where they exclaim, “Let’s put on a show!” This is what emerges when television-style journalism permeates the literary realm: pure entertainment. And indeed, it’s a delightful treat – a solid five-star escapade.

However, after being engrossed for over a hundred pages, I experienced a startling revelation – I genuinely despised every character.

The story unfurls with a Texas politician, seemingly without scruples, who swiftly climbs the political ladder by appeasing influential lobbies and ends up backing an extremist Islamic warlord in Afghanistan. He’s influenced by a Texan socialite, herself led on this path by an outcast turned wrestler from a rich family. This ensemble seems like something out of a sci-fi drama, and honestly, the wrestler was the only one I found intriguing, reminding me of a character best portrayed by Johnny Depp. (And rumor has it there’s a film adaptation in the works.)

Alongside these introductions, the author praises a working-class hero who aids a questionable regime for the CIA. We’re also given an insider look into a political system rife with indulgences, where the Texan congressman revels in luxury, all footed by taxpayers. It’s disconcerting, to say the least, and oddly makes me appreciate those who once criticized such excesses, despite their flaws.

Crile’s masterstroke lies in lionizing this dubious crew that arguably betrayed national interests. He cleverly numbs the reader to the repercussions, like inadvertently arming the very extremists posing current threats. The justification? Defeating the ‘Evil Empire’ was worth any sacrifice. But the apologies are reserved for the conclusion, where suddenly, the entire debacle might be someone else’s doing. Dive in, but be wary of the intoxicating narrative.

Review #5

Free audio Charlie Wilson’s War – in the audio player below

Charlie Wilson’s War narrates the vibrant journey of a Texas Congressman who, against the backdrop of global indifference, championed the cause of the mujaheddin battling the Soviet Union, effectively altering the course of the war.

Charlie Wilson is the enigmatic heartbeat of this tale. He’s an intricate blend of flamboyant attire and a scholarly air. He envisions himself as a guardian of global balance, albeit on a smaller canvas – think of a localized Churchill. While Samoa and Afghanistan might not be grand geopolitical stages, there’s an undeniable allure to Wilson’s fervor. His charisma not only enchanted many women but also rallied covert operatives disheartened by what they perceived as Jimmy Carter’s soft stance on Communism. It’s hard not to acknowledge a hint of commendability in Wilson.

Without Charlie Wilson’s relentless advocacy, would Afghanistan have ever captured the policymakers’ gaze? His persistence eventually drew their focus. Such a narrative naturally promises intrigue and oddities, and delightfully, Charlie Wilson’s War does not disappoint.

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