The Iran hostage crisis

Extract

[...] Discontent also surrounded the desire of some for Iran to adopt a constitutional government, as well as “inflation, unemployment, inadequate housing, and preferential jobs for skilled foreigners” (Paterson, et al p.409). Some of the Shah's decisions also exacerbated the situation, creating anti-Americanism among Iranians. The Shah became anti-Communist and an even more enthusiastic supporter of America, spending $19 billion of Iranian oil money on arms purchases from the U.S. between 1973 and 1978. According to the Shah, the purchases were necessary for protection from the “Soviet Union, Iraq, radical Arabs, and domestic Radicals” as well as to police the area of the Persian Gulf” (Paterson, et al p.410) However, “many Iranians thought that the Shah squandered the nations' resources as a stooge of the United States” (Paterson, et al 410). [...]

[...] The Iran hostage crisis finally ended after several events took place. The Shah died in 1980 while residing in Egypt, and the Ayatollah' supporters won control of the parliament, making the hostages unnecessary. Also, Iran and Iraq became embroiled in a war, and Iran was in need of allies and supplies. Lastly, the election of Ronal Regan for president of the United States occurred, and he promised to hold a “tougher posture” toward the hostage situation (Paterson, et al p. [...]

[...] The Iran hostage crisis The Iran Hostage crisis occurred during a protest on November outside of the American Embassy in Teheran, Iran. The protestors stormed the embassy, captured 66 people, and refused to release them until Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi came back to Iran to be tried for crimes against his people. While they were never sexually abused or mutilated, they were subjected to mock executions followed by abusive interrogation sessions. The hostage situation lasted for 444 days. At first, the hostages were tied up and blindfolded. [...]