MIDDLE EAST IN 1970’s

IRAN – Shi’ite Reza Pahlavi was Shah of Iran (monarchy)Reza Pahlavi was Shah of Iran (monarchy) – enjoyed “special privileges” as he was a friend of the US (military help, wealth, corruption) – Ayatollah Khomeini (Shi’ite leader) 1979 ENDED monarchy – Shah flees Iran NOT a friend to US, universities closed, less rights for women, religion first

IRANIAN HOSTAGES President Carter upset at the overthrow of their long-standing allyPresident Carter upset at the overthrow of their long-standing ally Iran was now anti-Israeli, anti-AmericanIran was now anti-Israeli, anti-American Khomeini saw the US as “Great Satan”Khomeini saw the US as “Great Satan” Iranian radicals seized US embassy in Tehran: 52 hostages for 444 daysIranian radicals seized US embassy in Tehran: 52 hostages for 444 days

IRAQ & IRAN Saddam Husain leader of Iraq – tried to topple Iran – afraid of Shi’ite takeoverSaddam Husain leader of Iraq – tried to topple Iran – afraid of Shi’ite takeover Iran had American weapons (Shah days) ag. Iraq Soviet weaponsIran had American weapons (Shah days) ag. Iraq Soviet weapons US sent Saddam weapons SECRETLY to fund the Contra war against Sandinista government in NicaraguaUS sent Saddam weapons SECRETLY to fund the Contra war against Sandinista government in Nicaragua

IRAQ WAR Saddam Husain invades KuwaitSaddam Husain invades Kuwait Kuwait is an ally of US and oil producerKuwait is an ally of US and oil producer US gets into conflict in 1991 – winsUS gets into conflict in 1991 – wins Saddam stays…2003 US goes to war again: terror groups, defiance of UN, WMDSaddam stays…2003 US goes to war again: terror groups, defiance of UN, WMD

AFGHANISTAN Soviets vs.Afghanistan in 1979…a communist regime needs supportSoviets vs.Afghanistan in 1979…a communist regime needs support US, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan is paying, supplying and training ANTI-communist forces in Afghanistan…early TALIBANUS, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan is paying, supplying and training ANTI-communist forces in Afghanistan…early TALIBAN