In this episode and the next, we’re going to look at two instances in the early Cold War of American-sponsored and -instigated overthrows of democratically elected governments, and their replacement by unpopular, USA-backed dictatorships. Of course, I’m talking about Iran and Guatemala in the early-1950s. This episode will set the context and cover Iran. Next time we’ll cover Guatemala and consequences of these sorts of operations.
Join Prof CJ as he discusses:
- A quick sketch of the Dulles Brothers (John Foster & Allen) who played such key roles in these sorts of operations in the 1950s
- A look at the historical context (ie, early Cold War)
- A sketch of Iranian PM Mohammed Mossadegh, and why the Dulles Bros (and the corporate interests they served) wanted him overthrown
- How the CIA overthrew Mossadegh and replaced him with Shah Reza Pahlavi
- The aftermath of this operation and its legacy, which is still being felt today
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