Israel Matzav

CIA admits it was behind coup in Iran

The CIA has admitted that it was behind the coup that overthrew Mohammed Mossadegh and installed Shah Reza Pahlavi as Iran's ruler 60 years ago today.

"[T]he military coup that overthrew Mosadeq and his National Front cabinet was carried out under CIA direction as an act of U.S. foreign policy," the history reads. The risk of leaving Iran "open to Soviet aggression," it adds, "compelled the United States ... in planning and executing TPAJAX."

TPAJAX was the CIA's codename for the overthrow plot, which relied on local collaborators at every stage. It consisted of several steps: using propaganda to undermine Mossadegh politically, inducing the Shah to cooperate, bribing members of parliament, organizing the security forces, and ginning up public demonstrations. The initial attempt actually failed, but after a mad scramble the coup forces pulled themselves together and came through on their second try, on August 19.

Of course, Foreign Policy, where the article was published, goes on to beat its breast because of the CIA's involvement. I disagree. Based on what was known at the time, the CIA's actions may have made sense, and I don't think anyone would argue that Iranians or the interests of the United States are better off  since the Islamic revolution.

Labels: CIA, Iran, Shah Reza Pahlavi

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 8:16 PM