The Black Tulip: A Novel of War in Afghanistan - Paperback

by Milt Bearden (Author)

"In this suspense-filled thriller, the man who ran the closing phases of the Afghan war for the Agency takes his readers on a stunning voyage of discovery through that clandestine world, from Kabul to Hong Kong and the Moscow of the Evil Empire."--Larry Collins, co-author of Is Paris Burning?

Set in the treacherous mountains of Afghanistan and the equally hazardous headquarters of the CIA Operations Directorate in Washington, The Black Tulip is a fast-paced thriller, based on real events, by the legendary spy who masterminded the plot to arm Afghan freedom fighters in their holy war against the Soviets. A longtime veteran of the CIA, Bearden knows the tricks of the trade, the price of honor, the bonds of blood, and the enduring lure of retribution.

Praise for The Black Tulip

"An irresistible page-turner . . . especially vivid because we know the author was a witness to events."--The Wall Street Journal

"Milt Bearden really delivers. With thirty years in the CIA to back it up, he knows what he's talking about. . . . A terrific book."--Robert De Niro

"A heart-stopping tale of espionage and betrayal. Forget Tom Clancy: this is the real thing."--Richard Holbrooke

"A truly engrossing espionage read . . . Bearden explains how the CIA supplied Afghan guerrillas with the hardware--rockets, Stinger surface-to-air missiles, and night-vision equipment--which enabled them to chew a vastly stronger Soviet force to bloody ribbons. . . . Highly recommended."--The Washington Times

Front Jacket

Set in the treacherous mountains of Afghanistan and the equally hazardous headquarters of the CIA Operations Directorate in Washington, The Black Tulip is a fast-paced thriller, based on real events, by the legendary spy who masterminded the plot to arm Afghan freedom fighters in their holy war against the Soviets. A longtime veteran of the CIA, Bearden knows the tricks of the trade, the price of honor, the bonds of blood, and the enduring lure of retribution.

Author Biography

A 30-year veteran of the CIA, Milton Bearden masterminded and ran the CIA's covert operations in Afghanistan. He was station chief in Pakistan, Moscow, and Khartoum, and trained the Afghan freedom fighters who overthrew the Soviets--many of whom, like Osama bin Laden, have now turned against the United States. He received the Donovan Award and the Distinguished Intelligence Medal, the CIA's highest honor. Bearden was born in Oklahoma and spent his childhood in Washington State, where his father worked on the Manhattan Project. He lives in Reston, Virginia.