(09-21-2022, 07:26 AM)flsprtsgod Wrote:

(09-21-2022, 07:03 AM)The Real Marty Wrote: My memory is a little foggy on this subject.  My recollection is that the Iranian Revolution had been brewing for many years prior to Carter taking office, and it was a result of Iranian repression, religious fundamentalism, and resentment about the Shah being put in place by the West.  How was Carter directly responsible?  I'm not arguing, just asking.

Carter sent Huyser to prevent the Iranian military from supporting the Shah. He had direct communications with Khomeini giving him legitimacy. He also had William Sullivan actively working to undermine Prime Minister Bahktiar's administration. Then he brought the Shah here of all places which made us appear as betraying Khomeini. He did about everything he could to make Iran hate us.

Right.  Carter's administration decided to play both sides for a time because they had already assessed that it was more likely than not that Khomeini would end up in a powerful position.  They were trying to salvage a bad situation. Their naivete and ineptitude could be noted, but, regardless, the Shah's power was going to reduce and the Ayatollah's power was going to increase.

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