The Strategic Architect of the Covert Afghan War

Mike Vickers, a brainy weapons expert, played a major role in the covert war in Afghanistan. As the CIA's Ace in the Hole, Vickers developed a precise blueprint for driving the Russian army out of Afghanistan in the 1980s. He focused on providing the Afghan resistance with the right mix of weapons, ammunition, and strategies. One of the game-changers was the introduction of the American-made Stinger anti-aircraft missile, which neutralized Soviet air power and ultimately led to the Russian withdrawal. Vickers' insights and experiences offer valuable lessons for understanding modern conflicts such as the current situation in Ukraine.