The Iran Contra affair occurred in the 1980's, but had long lasting ramifications for the reputation of the United States.
Iran
In the early 80’s, US civilians were being kidnapped in Lebanon by an Iranian Shi’a group. When CIA station chief of Beruit William Buckley was tortured by the group, Reagan was forced to act. After negotiations, a deal between the terrorist group and the United States was struck. The US gave anti-aircraft and anti-tank mines to Iran in return for the hostages. However, only one hostage was released. In January 1986, Reagan issued a presidential finding to connect with moderates in Iran in hopes of gaining new intel on Iran while bringing about a reformed government.
Aiding the Contras
Oliver North in his Contra Affair trial
The Soviet Union and the United States never fought directly; they used other countries as pawns in a worldwide chess game. In Nicaragua, a Communist government was in control. A rebel group called the Contras was fighting for democracy. However, Congress had banned aiding these rebels, which would be a direct insult to the Soviet Union. At the same time as the arms deal, the Reagan Administration tried to find new ways to bypass a congressional ban on assisting the contra rebels. Colonel Ollie North and CIA director William Casey devised a plan where they sold weapons to Iran and gave the profits to the Contras.
The Aftermath
This whole incident was revealed by a newspaper. Reagan immediately started an investigation. The investigation was led by former senator John Tower. The investigation dismissed a great many of the suspects, and in the end, only a few people were prosecuted. But the United States still lost a lot of credibility with our allies. Dealing with terrorists was looked down upon in the world theater. It is still unclear how much Reagan really knew about these shady dealings.
For more information on the Iran-Contra Affair, visit: Iran-Contra Affair The information on this website is from the National Archives, meaning it is as credible as any information from our government.
1986_Iran-Contra Affair
The Iran Contra affair occurred in the 1980's, but had long lasting ramifications for the reputation of the United States.
Iran
In the early 80’s, US civilians were being kidnapped in Lebanon by an Iranian Shi’a group. When CIA station chief of Beruit William Buckley was tortured by the group, Reagan was forced to act. After negotiations, a deal between the terrorist group and the United States was struck. The US gave anti-aircraft and anti-tank mines to Iran in return for the hostages. However, only one hostage was released. In January 1986, Reagan issued a presidential finding to connect with moderates in Iran in hopes of gaining new intel on Iran while bringing about a reformed government.Aiding the Contras
The Aftermath
This whole incident was revealed by a newspaper. Reagan immediately started an investigation. The investigation was led by former senator John Tower. The investigation dismissed a great many of the suspects, and in the end, only a few people were prosecuted. But the United States still lost a lot of credibility with our allies. Dealing with terrorists was looked down upon in the world theater. It is still unclear how much Reagan really knew about these shady dealings.For more information on the Iran-Contra Affair, visit:
Iran-Contra Affair The information on this website is from the National Archives, meaning it is as credible as any information from our government.
Picture found at: http://cuelicue20th.blogspot.com/2009/05/iran-contra-affair.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XITcdoRWPt8&feature=related
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJPmFKMhJpI&feature=related
Simon , Reeve S. “Iran-Contra Affair.” Encyclopedia of the Modern Middle East. 1996. Print.