The book describes how a CIA operative worked to have an Iranian political leader removed from office. The “problem” was a disagreement between England and Iran. Briefly explain the problem.
Who was Mohammed Mossadegh? Why was he such a controversial figure and perceived as an enemy by England and the United States? Without going into enormous detail (like the author did) How did Mossadegh come to power?
In chapter 10, the author makes it very clear that U.S. policy toward Iran changed dramatically when President Eisenhower succeeded President Truman. This is an excellent example of the way one election can change history. Why did Truman stay away from Iran? Why did Eisenhower support the coup d’etat? What was the main difference in their perspectives?
Chapter 7 focuses on the initial meetings between U.S. envoy Averill Harriman. These meetings were perceived as a failure because Harriman and Mossadegh did not come to any agreement. What were their differences in opinion? What was Harriman’s impression of Mossadegh? Do you think that Harriman’s perception of Mossadegh was accurate? Why? Why Not?
The thesis of the book is that U.S. political leaders have continually failed to understand the people of Iran, and that misunderstanding is at the center of U.S. problems in the Middle East. After reading this book, do you believe that the relationship between the United States and various Islamic countries has been affected by the events in Iran in the 1950s? Explain your answer.
