Afghan Napoleon

When the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979, the poorly equipped and organised resistance groups were no competition for the superpower. The exception was Ahmad Shah Massoud. This now-legendary military strategist and resistance leader unified the mujahideen forces in north-eastern Afghanistan and led a series of decisive victories against the Russian army. The veteran journalist Sandy Gall reported from Afghanistan at length, spending weeks at time with Massoud during key moments in the conflict. He now draws on his own memories, exclusive excerpts from Massoud's diaries, and interviews with the commander's closest allies to provide an intimate portrait of the charismatic guerrilla leader. Gall's insights cast fascinating new light on Massoud's personal military struggles, and his analysis exposes the United States' lack of foresight in not backing Massoud - who warned the world about the threat posed by Al-Qaeda and was assassinated just two days before 9/11. This authoritative biography consolidates Massoud's reputation as a national hero.