In The News

Swashbuckling US politician dies

Swashbuckling US politician dies

Charlie Wilson, who was regarded as one of the most swashbuckling US politicians of his generation, has died. 

Mr. Wilson, who was 76, is credited with raising billions of dollars to fund the fight against Soviet troops during their occupation of Afghanistan in the 1980s.

Mr. Wilson’s efforts to raise money to fund Mujahideen fighters was the subject of a Hollywood movie in 2007, Charlie Wilson’s War, which starred Tom Hanks.

After the Soviets withdrew from Afghanistan Mr. Wilson criticised the US Goverment’s decision to cut funding to the country, a move which was to be seen as a contributory factor to Osama bin Laden gaining influence in the region.

Mr. Wilson served as a Democrat member of the US Congress for 12 terms before retiring in 1996.

He died from a suspected heart attack in his home state of Texas.

 

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