I knew the Shah (30 years ago... the Revolution)

Iranian.com ^ | January 19, 2009 | SolidWood, Iranian.com

[SolidWood]

Soon there will be the 30th anniversary of the (communist)-islamic Revolution in Iran. Time to remember history, as it threatens to repeat itself.

Since 1943, when Iran joined the Allies in World War II, the land between the Caspian and the Persian Gulf has been one of America's central pillars in the Middle East , especially after 1945 in the struggle against Soviet Communism.

For almost 3 decades the US relied on the two pillars of the Middle East: Israel and Iran. Both facing hostile Soviet-influenced Arab Socialist regimes.

Carter's withdrawal of crucial military and political support to the Shah, in the name of "human rights", was instrumental in weakening this allied regime and enabled the eventual victory of the Islamofascist regime of Aytollah Khomeini.

The first pillar fell.

Exactly 30 years later, when the islamic regime in Iran will mark it's "victory" over America and it's Iranian ally, with Carter's reincarnation in the shape of Barack Obama, no one can rule out that the US government will betray the second pillar of the Middle East: Israel.

In remembrance of the dramatic events 30 years ago, (hear hear) Al-Jazeera has produced a brief portray of the Shah, interviewing his widow Queen Farah, Historian Abbas Milani and Ambassador Ardeshir Zahedi. I am surprised at the largely balanced portrayal from Al-Jazeera. It's far from complete, and certainly needs commentary, context and details, but I think that it still provides an interesting view. It is rather short, and the slightly older British documentary, narrated by Ben Kingsley ("The last Shah"), is recommended.

Video link

[SolidWood]

PING

[NavyCanDo]

in the Summer of 1977 I remember having 2 companies of Iranian soldiers (officers) taking training along side us in our San Diego basic traning site. Odd thinking back at it now, that not that many weeks later they were our enemy. Why they trained there? I don’t know. You gotta ask Jimmy Carter.

[nuconvert]

Thanx. I’ll check it out

[chuck_the_tv_out]

wow. that has got to be the most successful kgb black op of all time, grafting America-hate into islam via Iranian proxies

[SolidWood]

American officers and NCO's were training Iranian troops since 1942. Since the 1950's Iranian officers and commandos took courses in the USA. It did a great service in enhancing America's security versus the Soviets and their Arab minions, while at the same time teaching Iranians in American culture.

Now while Iranians training in the US during the 70's wasn't that unusual, Carter of course was actively sabotaging the Shah, so he probably knew that these guys will eventually either wind up shot or as our enemies.

[reg45]

The troops who trained here were probably pro-American and were most likely purged from the Iranian armed forces following the Islamic Revolution.

[NY Attitude]

It wasn’t until August 1978 that the revolution really began with the marching in the streets of major Iranian cities by dissidents.

[NY Attitude]

Executions began in February 22, 1979 and it commenced with Nassari who was the head of Savaak.

[SolidWood]

Yes, these were the "formal" executions after a mock trial.

However Revolutionaries adhoc executed loyal Officers already earlier.

[NY Attitude]

I remember the city curfews and firefights that went on in the city. The Nassari street execution was bloody when the crowd got involved. More than a few of the loyal officers and Homafars that I knew were detained and eventually executed. The revolutionary forces were roaming around the cities with the mercenaries from other countries and challenging folks.

[ScottinVA]

Carter’s legacy lives on. A lot of good people have lost their lives because of that evil revolution in Iran. Carter could’ve helped the Shah, but those not to.

And in 21 hours, Carter the 2nd takes office.

Oh, Lord have mercy.

[ScottinVA]

“However Revolutionaries adhoc executed loyal Officers already earlier.”

Exactly how the Soros-led leftists in this country would like to execute the leaders of the outgoing administration.

[sionnsar]

ping

[FARS]

So did Alan (AntiMullah) and I. Thanks for the post, will reread later.

BTW, Alan was on the radio again today. Apparently his guest appareance was one of the most popular ever and he was asked back at short notice to do a second two hours this evening.

[LucyT]

Thanks, Fars. The Shah’s brother was our houseguest one weekend.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[wastedyears]

Reagan shoulda bombed them.

[samadams2000]

Another people that cant wipe their own ass.

[Myrddin]

I needed a haircut one afternoon while visiting my parents in Chula Vista. The guy who cut my hair was the former hair dresser for the Shah and his family. He related a harrowing tale of having to fork over all his personal wealth and possessions in exchange for a airline flight out of the country. The mere fact that he had done hair dressing for both men and women in the Shah's family was sufficient to get him a death sentence under the new Islamic regime. He eventually made his way to the United States and managed to gather his family together again.