All the Shah's Men...

[Malachi151]

http://www.onpointradio.org/shows/2003/08/20030820_b_main.asp

Fifty years ago, in a bold and far-reaching covert operation, the CIA overthrew the elected government of Iran. Although the coup seemed successful at first, its "haunting and terrible legacy" is now becoming clear.

Operation Ajax, as the plot was code-named, reshaped the history of Iran, the Middle East and the world. It restored Mohammad Reza Shah to the Peacock Throne, allowing him to impose a tyranny that ultimately sparked the Islamic Revolution of 1979.

The Islamic Revolution, in turn, inspired fundamentalists throughout the Muslim world, including the Taliban and terrorists who thrived under its protection.

In his new book "All The Shah's Men," New York Times correspondent Stephen Kinzer asserts "It is not far-fetched to draw a line from Operation Ajax through the Shah's repressive regime and the Islamic Revolution to the fireballs that engulfed the World Trade Center in New York."

 

[RCNelson]

WBUR On Point Radio Article:
New York Times correspondent Stephen Kinzer asserts "It is not far-fetched to draw a line from Operation Ajax through the Shah's repressive regime and the Islamic Revolution to the fireballs that engulfed the World Trade Center in New York."

While overthrowing the elected government of Iran was both stupid and immoral, it is not the cause of al-Qaeda and the attack on the World Trade Center.

If we trace back the causes of al-Qaeda, we find that they go back to Egypt(Sayyid Qutb) and Saudi Arabia(Wahhabism) - not to Iran.

 

[corplinx]

" The Islamic Revolution, in turn, inspired fundamentalists throughout the Muslim world, including the Taliban and terrorists who thrived under its protection."

So, the author traces the roots of worldwide terror to the Shah instead of to a revival of fundamentalist islam?


I guess some people will buy anything that blames america first.

 

[sorgoth]

Just as some will buy anything that doesn't blame america.

The truth, as usual, is somewhere in between.

My opinion: Operation Ajax was, in one word, dumbassed. Did it cause the WTC bombings? It might've added to the tension...but I don't think we can blame it too much.

 

[Gem]

Influence is a fairly moderate word, though I think it describes it well. I mean, Osama Bin Laden wasn't inspired to do plan 9/11 because of this, but it probably HAD an effect on him, as a theocracy came out.

As for Operation Ajax: What were they thinking?!

Gem

 

[Malachi151]

" The Islamic Revolution, in turn, inspired fundamentalists throughout the Muslim world, including the Taliban and terrorists who thrived under its protection."

So, the author traces the roots of worldwide terror to the Shah instead of to a revival of fundamentalist islam?


I guess some people will buy anything that blames america first.

Well, if you had a brain you would understnad that the Fundamentalist Islamic revolution was caused by opposition to the Shah of Iran, as well as opposition to Saddam Hussein back when he was backed by the CIA as well.