Ex-Texas Rep. Charlie Wilson, who helped armed Afghans during war against Soviets, dies at 76
By APWednesday, February 10, 2010
Former Texas Rep. Charlie Wilson dies at 76
DALLAS — Former Rep. Charlie Wilson worked tenaciously to funnel millions of dollars in weapons to Afghan rebels who fought off the Soviet Union. He later watched Afghanistan plunge into chaos and eventually harbor al-Qaida terrorists.
The course of events greatly saddened the rakish Texan, who died Wednesday at age 76. Friends say he believed it could have been avoided had the U.S. committed to rebuilding Afghanistan years ago.
Wilson represented east Texas in Congress from 1973 to 1996, and earned the nickname “Good Time Charlie” for his hard-drinking, womanizing ways. But he also is remembered for playing a pivotal role in a world-changing event.
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates says Wilson “helped repel an invader, liberate a people, and bring the Cold War to a close.”
