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Unveiling the Hidden Truth: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden

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Published in Ghost Wars: The Secret History Of The CIA Afghanistan And Bin Laden From The Soviet Invas Ion To September 10 2001

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The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden from the Soviet Invasion is an explosive exposé that delves into the shadowy depths of a covert alliance between the United States and the Taliban, a pact that gave birth to the deadliest terrorist organization in history: Al-Qaeda.

Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and bin Laden, from the Soviet Invas ion to September 10, 2001

by Steve Coll

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The Soviet Invasion and the Rise of the Mujahideen

In 1979, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, triggering a decade-long war that ravaged the country and left a lasting legacy of instability. The United States, alarmed by Soviet expansionism, secretly financed, trained, and armed the Afghan resistance, known as the Mujahideen.

The CIA's Role in the Afghan War

The Central Intelligence Agency played a pivotal role in the Afghan War. With the blessing of President Ronald Reagan, the CIA launched Operation Cyclone, a covert program that provided billions of dollars in aid to the Mujahideen. The goal was to bleed the Soviet Union dry and force it to withdraw from Afghanistan.

The Recruitment of Osama Bin Laden

Among the Mujahideen fighters recruited by the CIA was a young Saudi Arabian named Osama bin Laden. Driven by religious fervor and a desire to fight against Soviet imperialism, bin Laden became a key figure in the Afghan resistance.

The Creation of Al-Qaeda

After the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989, bin Laden and other Mujahideen commanders formed Al-Qaeda, a global terrorist organization dedicated to waging jihad against the West. The CIA, having once supported bin Laden, now found itself confronted with a formidable adversary.

The Terrorist Attacks of 9/11

The culmination of the CIA's secret alliance with the Taliban and its support for the Mujahideen came on September 11, 2001, when Al-Qaeda launched a series of coordinated terrorist attacks on the United States. The attacks claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people and plunged the world into a state of shock and fear.

Fallout and Consequences

In the wake of 9/11, the United States launched a global war on terror, invading Afghanistan and toppling the Taliban regime. However, the scars of the CIA's past involvement in Afghanistan continue to haunt the country and the world.

The Hidden Truth Revealed

The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden from the Soviet Invasion is a meticulously researched and eye-opening account that exposes the dark underbelly of the US government's foreign policy. Author Steve Coll, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, draws on a wealth of previously classified documents and firsthand interviews to weave a gripping narrative that sheds light on the origins and consequences of the CIA's involvement in Afghanistan.

Historical Significance

Coll's book is not merely a historical account but a vital contribution to our understanding of present-day global conflicts. It offers a cautionary tale about the unintended consequences of covert operations and the dangers of arming and supporting extremist groups.

Impact on Policy and Public Opinion

The Secret History has had a profound impact on policy and public opinion both in the United States and abroad. It has challenged the official narrative of the US government's involvement in Afghanistan and has raised serious questions about the efficacy and ethics of covert operations.

The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden from the Soviet Invasion is an essential read for anyone interested in international relations, terrorism, or the hidden forces that shape our world. Coll's groundbreaking work illuminates the complex and often disturbing relationship between the United States and the forces of global extremism.

Book Details

Title: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden from the Soviet InvasionAuthor: Steve CollPublisher: Penguin Random House

**Author Biography**

Steve Coll is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author. He is a staff writer for The New Yorker and has written extensively on national security, terrorism, and the Middle East.

**Related Books**

Charlie Wilson's War

The Bin Laden Papers

The War on Terror

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The Secret History Of The CIA, Afghanistan, And Bin Laden From The Soviet Invasion Book Cover Ghost Wars: The Secret History Of The CIA Afghanistan And Bin Laden From The Soviet Invas Ion To September 10 2001