Out of Afghanistan
The Inside Story of the Soviet Withdrawal
Diego Cordovez and Selig S. Harrison
Reviews and Awards
"The detailed account by Cordovez and harrison, both veteran participants in behind the scenes discussions of the war...details the factionalism in Moscow--and in Washington, between the 'bleeders' and the 'dealers' in the Reagan administration."--The New Republic
"Contrary to conventional wisdom propagated by the Western media...Cordovez and Harrison tell us that the Red Army was on the ground in Afghanistan when the Soviet Union agreed to withdraw. After endless blunders on both the Soviet and American sides, and after six years of excruciatingly ticklish diplomacy (authoritatively described here), negotiators found a way to secure a settlement. Cordovez's personal role in the dealings lends the book an inside perspective."--The Washington Post Book World
"This is probably the most comprehensive volume written about the events which might be considered a landmark in contemporary history."--International Relations
"The Harrison-Cordovez book represents a major contribution to our understanding of a crucial moment in the Cold War--the Soviet intervention and defeat in Afghanistan."--President Jimmy Carter
"This is a fascinating and important book, and for once a book that lives up to its title. With Diego Cordovez's key personal role, and Selig Harrison's background experience and research, this is "the inside story" of the intricate, multifaceted diplomatic drama behind the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, and it presents a well-grounded account of the Soviet decisions to intervene and later to pull out as well."--Raymond L. Garthoff, Senior Fellow, The Brookings Institution and author of The Great Transition: American Soviet Relations and the End of the Cold War