The book "Charlie Wilson's War" by George Crile offers a candid look at the life of former US Congressman Charlie Wilson, who played a key role in helping Pakistan's military ruler, General Zia Ul Haq, obtain American funding and weapons for the "holy war" against the Soviet Union in the 1980s. Wilson, who began his career in humble origins in Texas, later became an Israeli lobbyist and received support from the Jewish lobby in the United States. He became a personal friend and confidant of Zia Ul Haq, as they worked together to drive the Soviets out of Afghanistan, often using Israeli supplied arms.
Wilson remains a lobbyist for Pakistan on Capitol Hill to this day, and has been seen at many receptions hosted by former Pakistani ambassador Maleeha Lodhi. He was known for his anti-Communist and anti-Indian views, and served on the powerful US House Appropriations Committee, where he secured millions of dollars for America's largest covert operation ever. However, he has also been investigated by the FBI multiple times for using covert funds to support his lifestyle.
The story also includes a love triangle between a woman and two vastly different men. One man is a heavy drinker and womanizer, while the other is pious and virtuous. The woman in the middle is alluring and passionate. At first, there was a noticeable attraction between the woman and the Army House in Rawalpindi, which she frequented. It is unclear how the occupant reciprocated, as it remains a state secret. Despite criticisms of Zia, he left a lasting legacy in the form of Charlie Wilson.
Zia recognized that the route to Wilson's heart was through a woman, and that woman was Joanne Herring. Zia appointed Herring, an attractive socialite, as Pakistan's honorary consul in Texas, and he flirted with her, honored her, and excited her. Herring fell deeply for the president, while Wilson fell for her. He became friends with Zia because Herring instructed him to do so.
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