1. Iran
Post WW II – Britain & US were very interested in Iran’s oil. US wanted Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi as leader (because he embraced western ideals)
Supported Western – owned oil companies
1950- Prime Minister Muhammad Mossadeq - elected
led nationalists vs. Pahlavi – nationalized oil companies >> US & Britain were upset
1953-US (CIA) had Mossadeq arrested (see above) & installed Shah Pahlavi
Mossadeq imprisoned for 3 yrs / house arrest until his death in 1967

3. Fundamentalism in Iran – Iranian Revolution of 1979
Revolution Pahlavi fled Iran >> Ayatollah Khomeini took over – fundamentalism

4. Iran Ayatollah opposed to U.S. influence 1979 Iranian Hostage Crisis
U.S. embassy seized and about 60 hostages held
Iran-Iraq war

5. Afghanistan Soviets exerted influences in Afghanistan in 1950s
Muslim revolt threatened (Soviet-leaning) gov’t. – 1970s
Soviet invasion >> Dec. 1979
U.S. = Communist threat
Covert operation >>Supplied Islamic rebels with weapons – mujahideen
Soviets eventually left Afghanistan >> Feb. 1989
Afghanistan >> civil war >> Taliban (many former mujahideen)