Charlie Wilson's War

If you have not yet seen this movie, you have likely seen the commercials promoting it. But whether you have seen it or not, or intend to, there are a few things you may want to take note of.

First, the movie, though BASED on true events, is a work of fiction. Congressman Charlie Wilson did play a critical part in getting congress to approve funds to support the Mujahideen in Afghanistan, so they could fight the Soviet Army. The idea, of course, was to keep the Soviets so embroiled in an unwinnable war, using up their resources, so they would not be able to grow stronger in the Cold War. The war in Afghanistan was seriously depleting the Soviet strength.

The effect, which was far greater than Charlie Wilson ever dared dream, was that eventually the Soviet Union collapsed under continual fire from Ronald Reagan, with the Soviets having been weakened in Afghanistan. So, while it may be true that Charlie Wilson helped in defeating the Soviets, he was only one part that contributed to their demise. It is very likely that the Soviet Union would still have floundered in Afghanistan, and would still have collapsed even without American funding.

But here is what the movie does not really tell. Osama bin Laden was one of the leaders of the Mujahideen. He used the American funding, arms and training AGAINST America as soon as the Soviets were defeated. If not for Charlie Wilson's "contribution", bin Laden might not have survived Afghanistan, and even if he had, he would not have had the same level of arms and training to use against us.

No one can say for sure how history may have been altered had Charlie Wilson not involved himself in the affairs of the Mujahideen. Perhaps there would have been little difference. On the other hand, perhaps there would never have been an "Al-Qaeda", or its leader, to plan the 9/11 attack, or the attack on the USS Cole.

What is certain, however, is that Charlie Wilson's actions directly benefitted Osama bin Laden and his followers.

I would have greater respect for the "Hollywood Elitists" if they were to cover a topic with greater objectivity and truth, and tell the whole story - and not just the part that pushes their liberal agenda. Charlie Wilson is a Democrat, and in this important election year, Hollywood was determined to create a Democrat hero for the whole country to embrace.

While I can appreciate Charlie Wilson's actions, and in that respect he may well be some sort of hero, I also acknowledge the consequences of those actions, which have brought tragedy to the world.

In conclusion, the movie, like the book, is entertaining. But take it with a large grain of salt - there is much more to the story, and the ultimate ending has not yet occurred, because the effects of Charlie Wilson's "war" are still playing themselves out, and will continue to play out as long as there is an Al-Qaeda.