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The world’s leading thinkers, politicians and cultural figures interviewed by the BBC

Find out what the world’s leading thinkers, politicians and cultural figures really think, as they talk about their lives for thirty minutes on The Interview.

***The Interview is no longer broadcast on-air but you can listen to our archive below.***

A half hour interview with interesting and prominent people from around the world with a great range of interests and opinions. Each week, one person is put under the spotlight by either Owen Bennett-Jones or Carrie Gracie, the two presenters on The Interview.  

They explore topical issues, personal motivation and interviewee's hopes and fears. The style is informal and conversational, but at times searching and combative when required.

The Interview

The Interview Archive: 11/03/2011 Charlie Wilson: Charlie Wilson, American Congressman

Charlie Wilson, American Congressman

11/03/2011 Charlie Wilson

11/03/2011 Charlie Wilson: Charlie Wilson, American Congressman

BBC World Service - The Interview Archive, Charlie Wilson, American Congressman

On whisky, women and winning the Cold War

The US Congressman he sent billions of dollars to the Afghans fighting the Soviet Union

As an American Congressman he managed to funnel billions of dollars to the Afghans fighting against the Soviet Union in the biggest secret war in history. 

His story - including some of the wilder antics of his private life fuelled by whisky and women - was made into a Hollywood movie starring Tom Hanks. 

Charlie Wilson talked to Owen Bennett Jones back in 2006.

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11/03/2011 Charlie Wilson: Charlie Wilson, American Congressman

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