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 to 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 a 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 commanders closest allies to provide
an intimate portrait of the charismatic guerilla leader.
