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Iran-Contra Affair/Scandal

Explore the complex Iran-Contra scandal that intertwined U.S. Cold War tactics, Middle East policies, and Reagan's actions. Unpack the controversy, from Contras to hostages, shaping a pivotal chapter in U.S. history.

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Iran-Contra Affair/Scandal

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  1. Iran-Contra Affair/Scandal The Convergence of U.S. Cold War and Middle East Policies

  2. Background: Ronald Reagan • Vietnam Syndrome is over! • USSR is an “Evil Empire” • Reagan Doctrine—ROLL BACK, not just contain Soviet influence around globe • Why have we allowed terrorists to hold our citizens over a year

  3. Background: Contras • US has long relationship with the Somoza family of Nicaragua • Dictators • Friendly to UFC and anti-communists

  4. Background: Contras • Somozas overthrown by the Sandinistas • Reagan smells a communist rat! • 1981: Approves CIA program: • Helps create a counter-revolutionary, para-military organization: THE CONTRAS • 19 million$ • Honduran training camp

  5. Background: Contras • 1984—CIA mines Nicaraguan harbors • Nic. Goes to International Court of Justice • Wins judgment vs. US • US is guilty of violating the sovereignty of Nic. • Reagan administration refused to recognized the Court’s jurisdiction and ignores the verdict

  6. Background: The Boland Amendment • 1984: Congress is pressured by international community as well as by growing concern w/in US to pass Boland • It forbids government agencies from supporting “directly or indirectly military or paramilitary operations” in Nic.

  7. Background: Embargo vs. Iran • 1980: In response to Iranian Hostage Crisis, US breaks all diplomatic and trade ties w/ Iran • Weapons and trade embargo—no buying or selling allowed.

  8. Background: Hostages in Lebanon • From 1982-1992: Thirty Americans taken hostages by pro-Iranian, Islamic extremists • Reagan: “We do not negotiate with terrorists.”

  9. Two Problems for Reagan. • How to continue to support the Contras in light of Boland? • How to free American hostages w/o “negotiating with terrorists”? • Iran-Contra is born!

  10. The Flow Chart of Iran-Contra • Israel invades Lebanon • US sends Marines into Lebanon • US hostages are taken in the Middle East, especially Lebanon • US (through ISRAEL) sell arms to Iran (vs. Iraq 1980-88) • Profits from arms sales DIVERTED to Contras • Iran paid, Iran negotiates hostages’ release and then more hostages taken

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