Chapters 15-17 Summary and Analysis

With Long completely on board for Wilson's campaign ideas in Afghanistan, Wilson begins pushing through funding that the CIA never requested, a move never before attempted by Congress. The CIA visits Wilson in response to the unrequested funds. Gust Avrakotos meets Wilson for the first time and suspects a kindred spirit.

In chapter sixteen, after Wilson wins the congress over for the $40 million, the CIA reacts with no enthusiasm. The agents resent that he designates a substantial chunk for anti-aircraft artillery, and that they must account for all of it to Wilson. Howard Hart feels especially threatened, as the director in Pakistan. He feels that concealing US involvement must remain a top priority. Hart fears that anything more could anger the Russians to an escalation in both Afghanistan and elsewhere, endangering American troops. Moreover, he feels that bleeding the...