In the climax of the film, Congressman Charlie Wilson (played by Tom Hanks), with the help of CIA operative Gust Avrakotos (played by Philip Seymour Hoffman) and socialite Joanne Herring (played by Julia Roberts), successfully secures funding for Operation Cyclone, a covert operation to support Afghan mujahideen fighters against the Soviet Union during the Soviet-Afghan War.
Throughout the movie, Charlie Wilson works tirelessly to increase funding for the Afghan rebels, recognizing the importance of supporting them in their fight against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Despite facing opposition from colleagues and bureaucratic obstacles, Charlie perseveres, driven by his belief in the cause and his desire to make a difference.
In the final moments of the film, Charlie celebrates his victory as Operation Cyclone receives increased funding from Congress, allowing for the supply of weapons and training to the Afghan mujahideen. The success of the operation ultimately contributes to the eventual withdrawal of Soviet forces from Afghanistan, marking a significant victory in the Cold War.
However, the film ends on a somber note as Gust reflects on the unintended consequences of their actions, including the rise of the Taliban and the emergence of Osama bin Laden as a global threat. Despite their initial triumph, Charlie and Gust are left questioning the long-term impact of their involvement in Afghanistan.
Overall, the ending of “Charlie Wilson’s War” highlights the complexities of foreign policy and the unintended consequences of covert operations, even in the face of short-term success. Through its blend of humor, drama, and political intrigue, the film offers audiences a thought-provoking exploration of the consequences of interventionism and the challenges of navigating the world stage.