What We Knew and Didn't Know During the Iranian Hostage Crisis

On February 11, 1979, Ayatollah Khomeini and his supporters overthrew the Shah of Iran, marking the end of the monarchy. But when we reflect back on this disruptive event, how many of us recall that the hostage crisis didn't begin until nearly nine months later, November 4, 1979.

Initially 66 Americans were taken hostage when the U.S. embassy was stormed, but shortly after 13 were released and then another for health reasons so that a total of 52 we held captive for the 444 day ordeal.

There were actually many Americans in Iran at the time of this crisis. Many were missionaries, including a friend with whom I painted apartments in Minneapolis a couple years after. Dennis and his family sold their house in exchange for two Persian rugs and a gold belt, hurriedly leaving the country by escaping into Turkey.

Not once did I ever hear the story of how the Shah came into power 26 years earlier. Why were Americans so ignorant about this backstory? 

* * *

It was David Halberstam's The Fifties that opened my eyes regarding the extent of U.S. meddling in foreign affairs. Though I, like many, were aware of our country's bad behavior in places like Chile, Central America and Vietnam, Halberstam gets beneath the surface to where the seeds were first planted. Iran was among the first in a series of clandestine interventions in which leaders were overthrown so that we could install our own puppets.

Here's a short list of countries we messed with in the 1950s and 60s: Egypt, Iran, Guatemala, Indonesia, Lebanon, Iraq, Cuba, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Laos, Dominican Republic, South Vietnam, Brazil, and Indonesia, among others. According to one source, the U.S. made 66 regime change attempts during the Cold War, succeeding in 26 of these. 75% of our successes were by means of election interference. 

* * * 

I mention all of the above in order to point out that the media failed us by not informing us of the backstory regarding how the Shah of Iran gained power in the first place. The CIA, in collaboration with British intelligence (Operation Ajax), orchestrated the overthrow of Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh after he nationalized Iran’s oil industry. 

This preface from Stephen Kinzer's All the Shah's Men shows how our CIA-funded & generated 1953 coup affected the people themselves. Were they happier afterwards?

One day I attended a book party for an older Iranian woman who had written her memoirs. She spoke for an hour about her eventful life. Although she never touched on politics, she mentioned in passing that her family was related to the family of Mohammad Mossadegh, who served as prime minister of Iran for twenty-six months in the early 1950s and was overthrown in a coup d'etat staged by the Central Intelligence Agency.

After she finished speaking, I couldn't resist the temptation to ask a question. "You mentioned Mossadegh," I said. "What do you remember, or what can you tell us, about the coup against him?" She immediately became agitated and animated.

"Why did you Americans do that terrible thing?" she cried out. "We always loved America. To us, America was the great country, the perfect country, the country that helped us while other coun- tries were exploiting us. But after that moment, no one in Iran ever trusted the United States again. I can tell you for sure that if you had not done that thing, you would never have had that problem of hostages being taken in your embassy in Tehran. All your trouble started in 1953. Why, why did you do it?"

This outburst reflected a great gap in knowledge and understanding.

* * *
This week, American journalist Seymour Hersh wrote about the Biden administration's blowing up the Nord Stream pipelines in the Baltic Sea. The media repeated bogus claims from Washington like, "We have no idea who would do such a thing" and "Maybe the Russians did it." Reading the Hersh piece brought to mind the above memories regarding the Shah's downfall. 

As my mother frequently said, "Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive." 

What Really Happened in Iran?

It's unfortunate how limited our knowledge of history is. In part, it's because the amount of work involved to be informed. It's impossible to have any depth of understanding by only following media sound bytes. Hence, the importance of reading, but even here you have obfuscation and disinformation taking place so as to mislead. Here's an example.

How many Americans were aware that the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, was put in power by U.S. covert action in the early 50s? How many knew any history at all about the roots of the hostage crisis that took place during the Carter administration? I myself knew nothing about the reasons the Shah had to flee his country. Perhaps the media heads themselves were ignorant, except for those who played the mouthpiece for an American spin on these events.

It wasn't until I read David Haberstam's The Fifties that I learned how the Shah came to power, an early "victory" for the CIA, overthrowing a democratically elected leader whom we (the U.S.) didn't like. 

And why didn't we like him? Because he wanted to keep his country neutral during the Cold War. The U.S. wanted a leader who was pro-U.S.

Here's what Halberstam wrote about the overthrow:

[The coup had] gone so smoothly... because local conditions were favorable.  The Shah's historical legitimacy had proved far more compelling than Mossadegh's popularity, which was shaky at best. But Roosevelt [EdNote: not FDR] sensed that Dulles was not terribly interested in that part of his report.

In fact, even as Roosevelt was briefing the top national security people about Iran, planning was going ahead on the next coup--one that they hoped would topple the leftist government of Jacobo Arbenz in Guatemala. In fact, soon after Roosevelt's return, he was offered the job of running the new covert operation, which confirmed his earlier suspicions about Foster Dulles's eagerness to proceed in this sphere. The success of the coup in Iran, Roosevelt sensed, had provided an irresistible inducement for the Eisenhower administration: It had been quick, painless, and inexpensive. A potential adversary had been taken out with almost ridiculous ease. American newspapers had all carried the cover story, although the press elsewhere and the Iranian people talked openly about the CIA role.

Administration officials had few moral qualms either about their role or about deceiving the American press and people. They saw themselves in an apocalyptic struggle with Communism in which normal rules of fair play did not apply. 
--David Halberstam, The Fifties

* * * 

Earlier this spring I picked up Stephen Kinzer's book All the Shah's Men: An American Coup and the Roots of Middle East Terror. The frontispiece sets the tone with this quote by Harry Truman: "There is nothing new in the world except the history you didn't know."

That pretty much sums it up. 

Kinzer begins his preface with this attention-getting anecdote:

PREFACE
One day I attended a book party for an older Iranian woman who had written her memoirs. She spoke for an hour about her eventful life. Although she never touched on politics, she mentioned in passing that her family was related to the family of Mohammad Mossadegh, who served as prime minister of Iran for twenty-six months in the early 1950s and was overthrown in a coup d'etat staged by the Central Intelligence Agency.

After she finished speaking, I couldn't resist the temptation to ask a question. "You mentioned Mossadegh," I said. "What do you remember, or what can you tell us, about the coup against him?" She immediately became agitated and animated.

"Why did you Americans do that terrible thing?" she cried out. "We always loved America. To us, America was the great country, the perfect country, the country that helped us while other countries were exploiting us. But after that moment, no one in Iran ever trusted the United States again. I can tell you for sure that if you had not done that thing, you would never have had that problem of hostages being taken in your embassy in Tehran. All your trouble started in 1953. Why, why did you do it?"

This outburst reflected a great gap in knowledge and understanding...
--Stephen Kinzer

* * * 

Sadly, we have seemingly countless gaps in our knowledge and understanding, but this doesn't seem to stop us from expressing strong opinions on almost everything. Becoming aware of our limitations ought to make us exercise a little more humility before we speak, shouldn't it?

Have You Ever Felt Like An Exiled King?

I recently had a friend say to me, "I feel like an exiled king." 

The notion intrigued me on a couple of levels. First, I wondered what exiled kings actually feel like. After his 1815 defeat at the Battle of Waterloo, Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to an island in the South Atlantic till he died in 1821. What did he think about and feel those last six years of his life? King Charles II fled England after his father King Charles I was executed during the English Civil War. He found refuge in several European countries till he was restored to the throne in 1660. Events during WWII resulted in a number of monarchs seeking refuge elsewhere for a period of time including Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia and Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, both of whom found refuge in England. When the Shah of Iran was deposed by Ayatollah Khomeini, he found asylum in Mexico. 

(EdNote: While living in Mexico in 1981 we briefly stayed with friends at an orphanage in Cuernavaca. While walking one day, the gated home of the exiled Shah was pointed out to me. The Shah's residence was next door to a gated home owned by former president Nixon.)

* * * 

I asked Google Bard, "What are some reasons why a person might feel like an exiled King?"

Google Bard: There are many reasons why a person might feel like an exiled king. Here are a few examples:

• They may have been forced to leave their home country due to political or religious persecution. This can be a very traumatic experience, and it can leave people feeling lost and alone.
• They may have been stripped of their power or authority. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as a coup d'état, a revolution, or a bankruptcy. When someone loses their power, they can also lose their sense of identity and purpose.
• They may feel like they are no longer in control of their own life. This can happen when someone is in a difficult or abusive relationship, or when they are struggling with addiction or mental illness. When someone feels like they are not in control, they can feel like they are living in exile from their own life.
• They may feel like they are not accepted or valued by others. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as their race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. When someone feels like they are not accepted, they can feel like they are an outsider, or even an exile.

If you are feeling like an exiled king, it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many people who have experienced similar feelings, and there are resources available to help you cope. You can talk to a therapist, join a support group, or read books or articles about exile and loss. It is also important to find ways to connect with others who share your experiences. This can help you feel less alone and more supported.

When I asked ChatGPT "What is it like to be an exiled king?" this is the reply I received.

ChatGPT: Being an exiled king is a complex and challenging experience, filled with a mix of emotions, uncertainties, and unique circumstances. While the specific details can vary depending on the individual and the context of their exile, here are some common aspects that exiled kings may encounter:

1. Loss of Power and Status: Exiled kings are stripped of their ruling authority and the privileges that come with their position. They lose the ability to govern their kingdom and make decisions that directly impact their subjects. This loss of power can be deeply disorienting and emotionally challenging.
2. Separation from Homeland and Loved Ones: Exiled kings are forced to leave their homeland, often leaving behind their families, friends, and familiar surroundings. They experience a profound sense of displacement and may feel isolated and detached from their roots. Being physically separated from loved ones can create a deep longing and a sense of loss.
3. Political and Personal Perils: Depending on the circumstances of their exile, exiled kings may face political and personal dangers. They may be at odds with rival factions or governments, making them vulnerable to threats, conspiracies, and assassination attempts. Their safety and security become constant concerns, often requiring them to rely on the protection of foreign hosts or allies.
4. Quest for Restoration: Exiled kings often harbor a burning desire to regain their throne and restore their kingdom. Their exile becomes a period of strategizing, networking, and seeking support to mount a successful return. This pursuit can consume their thoughts and actions as they navigate diplomatic channels, form alliances, and mobilize resources to achieve their goal.
5. Emotional Turmoil: Exiled kings experience a wide range of emotions, including frustration, anger, grief, and a sense of injustice. They may feel betrayed by those who were once loyal, resentful towards those responsible for their exile, or overwhelmed by the weight of their responsibilities and uncertain future. It can be a lonely and emotionally draining journey.
6. Adaptation and Reinvention: Exiled kings often find themselves in foreign lands, adapting to different cultures, customs, and languages. They may need to reinvent themselves, seeking new roles or identities within their host countries. This process of adjustment can be challenging, requiring flexibility, resilience, and the ability to navigate unfamiliar territories.
7. Legacy and Historical Perception: The actions and behavior of exiled kings can shape their legacy and historical perception. Some exiled monarchs are remembered as martyrs, heroes, or symbols of resilience and resistance. Others may be seen as failures or ineffectual rulers. The way their exile is perceived by future generations contributes to the overall narrative of their reign.

In conclusion, being an exiled king is a complex and multifaceted experience, marked by the loss of power and status, separation from homeland and loved ones, political and personal dangers, emotional turmoil, the quest for restoration, adaptation, and the shaping of their historical legacy. It is a life that demands resilience, resourcefulness, and a relentless pursuit of regaining lost power and position.

* * * 

Have you ever felt like an exiled king?

15 Random Thoughts

A short list of topics off the top of my head on Wednesday, June 17.

1. Interesting that Twitter postponed its maintenance in order to keep communication channels open for Iran protesters.

2. What will be the net-net of the apparently stolen Iranian elections?

3. Friends of ours were in Iran as missionaries when Khomeini overthrew the Shah. They sold their house and their possessions and exchanged all they owned for 3 Persian rugs and a gold belt which she wore out of the country as they escaped by night through Turkey.

4. When Susie and I lived in Mexico for a year we visited an orphanage in Cuernavaca which was very near to where the Shah of Iran owned an estate. The world's richest lived on this street that we had to walk past in order to get to the orphanage, which was in a poor area a stone's throw away. Richard Nixon had a place next door to the Shah, or a few estates down. They were all gated homes.

5. Cuernavaca is nicknamed The Land of Eternal Spring because of its beautiful year round weather. It is on the south side of the mountain upon which Mexico City sits, but elevated enough to avoid the tropical heat further down the mountainside below.

6. On one occasion, while driving home from Cuernavaca, we took an alternate route to the west and as we climbed an intolerably steep road to the top of the mountain, we found that the car had overheated. We were in the middle of nowhere, so I put the car in neutral and we coasted down the other side of the mountain. There was a small lake (large pond) on that other side and I refilled the radiator with water from this pool.

7. That particular landscape, was like the rolling hills of Wisconsin, lush, green, beautiful... Never saw anything like that in all our other travels south o' the border.

8. I remember a farm there which had made a fence entirely of the hoods of Volkswagen Beetles. They were all different colors, side by side.

9. Many people do not know that in 1863 the French took over Mexico. It was during our Civil War. The U.S. was too pre-occupied to enforce its "Monroe Doctrine."

10. The trigger event for Mexico being taken over was the death of seven or eight French soldiers on the beach at Vera Cruz. France used these lost lives to stimulate war fever. Because their "honor" was besmirched, they sent armies across the ocean and took over the whole country.

11. Maximilian, of Austria, was installed on the throne of Mexico, an ill-fated plan that resulted in his death by firing squad a few years afterwards.

12. Imagine that.

13. Last night I measured and priced out more than eighty paintings and drawings for an art show I am considering in July at The Venue.

14. Drudge Report must be on the ascendancy because it is in the Top 20 searches today on Yahoo, #12... up from 28.

15. Six Flags is bankrupt. Makes me curious about the theme park business in general. What happens to the rides when people no longer want to pay to play?

Well, it's time to start my day. Make sure you make the most of yours.