Introductory Questions:

What is a shah?
Persian -  king, sovereign, prince - The title of the supreme ruler in certain Eastern countries, especially Persia
What is an Ayatollah?
(Arabic for sign of God - a modern title that does not correspond to any established religious function, generally referring to religious leaders in Shi'ite Iran)
Why do people tie yellow ribbons?
To show supprt for those missing or held prisoner

Iran, Iraq, and ...Nicaragua?

  • Iranian history through the 1970s
    • 1979 Revolution
      • Hostages - 444 days
      • Ayatollah Khomeini
    • Iran-Iraq War
      • 8 years
      • over a million killed
      • Iraq used poison gas on own people
      • Iraq supported by the US because of anger at Iran
  • Meanwhile in Lebanon
    • PLO in Beirut
    • Israel invades southern Lebanon
    • US Embassy Marine barracks
    • Hostages taken (priests, journalists, citizens, etc)
    • US policy prevents negotiating for kidnap victims
  • Meanwhile in Nicaragua
    • Groups competing for power
      • Sandanistas and Contras
    • Reagan supported the contras, but Congress outlawed any financial support
  • SO
    • To free the hostages in Lebanon
      • Sold arms to Iran
      • Sold to Israel, Israel sold to Iran
      • And the hostages were freed
    • To help the Contras
      • Took the profit from the arms sales
      • Sent it to Nicargua
      • Reached the contras
  • Slick, But:
    • It was all completely illegal!!