Chapters 24-26 Summary and Analysis

The enormous budget for Afghanistan gains Avrakotos much power and respect in the CIA, which he previously lacks because of his lack of blue blood upbringing. He feels this fact while traveling personally with Director Casey to Saudi Arabia, where the Arabs maintain their promise to match the Congress dollar for dollar in Afghanistan. With their matching donation, Avrakotos's budget exceeds half a billion dollars.

For many reason, 1985 becomes key in the war against the Soviets in Afghanistan. Early in 1985, Russian leader Gorbachev accuses Pakistan's President Zia of support for Afghanistan, which Zia confidently denies, citing that Islam allows lying, especially to advance a jihad. Nevertheless, famed Soviet General Varennikov begins skilled attacks in the region, and it looks like the Soviets may be winning.

Encouragingly, Vickers point out to Avrakotos that the introduction of Soviet Special forces shows...