Charlie Wilson’s War
So my second introduction to the Soviet-Afghan war came when I watched Charlie Wilson’s War. Based on a true story, this biographical drama delves into the life of Democratic Congressman Charles Wilson (Tom Hanks), the driving force behind the Afghan mujahideen’s defeat of the Soviet Army during the late 1980’s. With the wealth and influence of close friend and romantic interest Joanne Herring (Julia Roberts) and the strategic intelligence of CIA officer Gust Avrakotos (Philip Seymour Hoffman), the Texan native manages to stage the largest covert operation in US history. And our generation doesn’t even know his name.
Joanne Herring, a Houston socialite, political activist and friend of congressman Charlie Wilson, encourages him to take a greater interest in the war in Afghanistan and later arranges a meeting between he and the Prime Minister of Pakistan. It’s here that Wilson realizes Afghanistan’s dire need for sufficient weaponry and the extent of brutality the Soviet Army is inflicting on innocent civilians. We also learn that the United States Government is intentionally taking a low budget approach to the war in hopes of “bleeding” the Soviet Union dry (drawing out their last weapon). Returning to Washington, DC frustrated and determined, Charlie meets Gust Avrakotos, a member of the CIA assigned to the understaffed force (not surprisingly) tasked with developing a strategy for Afghanistan to beat the communists.
And together they fight. With the political connections of Joanne Herring and the brilliant mind of Gust Avrakotos, Charlie Wilson garners support from Israel and Saudia Arabia and cuts through the red tape of Washington inch by inch. With a final budget of over $1 billion, Wilson supplies the dedicated soldiers of Afghanistan with enough weapons and training to cripple the Soviet Union at an alarming rate. By war’s end, the Texan hero had contributed to a significant piece of our U.S. foreign policy, the Reagan Doctrine. The film depicts this pivotal, yet concealed moment in our recent history with real fact, even when it’s not so pretty, and it portrays its characters fondly with authenticity and great dialogue. If you ever want to meet Charlie Wilson, this movie is an excellent way to do it.
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