Ghost Wars by Steve Coll

“Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden, from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001” is a non-fiction book written by American journalist and author Steve Coll. The book was first published in 2004 and provides an in-depth examination of the CIA’s involvement in Afghanistan and the rise of Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda.

Key themes and topics covered in “Ghost Wars” include:

1. The Soviet-Afghan War: The book begins by chronicling the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 and the subsequent Afghan resistance against Soviet forces. It explores how the United States and the CIA became involved in providing support to Afghan mujahideen fighters, including figures who would later play key roles in the Taliban and al-Qaeda.

2. The CIA’s Role: Steve Coll offers a detailed account of the CIA’s covert operations in Afghanistan during the 1980s, which aimed to counter the Soviet presence. This includes the arming and training of Afghan rebel groups and the complexities of managing this covert war.

3. The Rise of Osama bin Laden: The book traces the early life and radicalization of Osama bin Laden, as well as his involvement in the Afghan jihad against the Soviets. It explores how the CIA’s support for Afghan militants inadvertently contributed to the growth of extremist groups and the emergence of al-Qaeda.

4. Tensions within U.S. Agencies: “Ghost Wars” delves into the internal conflicts and disagreements within U.S. government agencies, including the CIA and the State Department, regarding policy and strategy in Afghanistan and the broader region.

5. The Impact of the Afghan Conflict: The book discusses the long-term consequences of the Afghan conflict, including the power vacuum left after the Soviet withdrawal, the rise of the Taliban, and the ongoing instability in Afghanistan.

6. The Road to 9/11: Steve Coll examines the events leading up to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States and how the U.S. government’s policies and intelligence failures contributed to the tragedy.

“Ghost Wars” received critical acclaim for its extensive research, thorough analysis, and compelling narrative. It provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the covert and often complex operations that shaped the political landscape in Afghanistan and the broader Middle East in the decades leading up to 9/11. The book is considered a valuable resource for those interested in the history of U.S. involvement in Afghanistan and the roots of the War on Terror.