The film Charlie Wilson's War depicts Congressman Charlie Wilson's efforts in the 1980s to increase CIA funding and support for the Afghan mujahideen fighting the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. Charlie befriends maverick CIA operative Gust Avrakotos and they develop a strategy to counter Soviet helicopters and turn the occupation into a quagmire. Their efforts evolve into the Reagan Doctrine and ultimately provide over $500 million in support. While the film does not directly connect this to 9/11, it notes concerns that Afghanistan would be neglected after the Soviet withdrawal, allowing groups like the Taliban and al-Qaeda to emerge.