asghar62

The 1953 Crisis

Greetings:

You mentioned that “Stephen Kinzer's book is by far the best you have read in the past few years. I think every Iranian (including our historians) should read this book and learn about what really went on behind the scenes.”

I think you may agree with me that it really doesn’t matter who the author is….What matters is the substance, objectivity, accuracy and analysis without partisanship. Regretfully when it comes to writing the history of the 1953 Crisis/ Coup/Popular uprising or what ever you want to name it malicious lies, inaccurate reporting, fictitious story telling has become the norm. We therefore have to read various accounts and perspective to discuss intelligently and not rely on just Stephen Kinzer account…which relies heavily on Kermit Roosevelt’s fiction like book Countercoup. Moreover the author has not used a single Iranian source therefore his story clearly lacks accuracy and objectivity.

There are many sources that I would recommend from Western writers to Pro-Mossadegh and Pro-Monarchist. One of the best accounts that I have read has been Ali Mirfetros, Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh, Asib Shenasiye Yek Shekast, Mohammad Ali Movahed book, Fakhreddin Azimi’s, Iran Crisis of Democray, Richard W. Cottman, Nationalism in Iran, Homayoun Mohammad Ali Katouzian, Musaddiq and the Struggle for Power in Iran, Jalal Matini, Negaahi be kaarnaame-ye siaasi-ye Dr Mohammad Mosaddeq, Gholam Reza Afkhami The life & Times of the Shah, Mark J. Gasiorowski and Malcolm Byrne Mohammad Mosaddeq and the 1953 Coup in Iran, Sepehr Zabih, The Mossadeq Era: Roots of the Iranian Revolution, Ervand Abrahamian, Iran Between Two Revolutions, Mossadegh: The Years of Struggle and Opposition by Col. Gholamreza Nejati, Counter Coup,. Kermit Roosevelt, Jr Countercoup, the Struggle for Control of Iran, Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh, Khaterat va Ta’limat dr. Mossadegh, Mohammad Reza Pahlvi, Ma’muriat Baraye Vatanam, Ali Mirfetros, Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh, Asib Shenasiye Yek Shekast, Donald Wilber, Regime Change in Iran

The 1953 Crisis:

During Hossein Ala''s Premiership Zahedi held the Post of Minister of the Interior (1951), which he retained during the initial period of Dr. Muhammad Mossadegh's tenure. While Zahedi actively backed Mossadeghs nationalisation of Iran's oil industry, a move that antagonised the United Kingdom and the Western Powers, he was at odds with him over Mossadeghs increasing tolerance for the outlawed communist party Tudeh, which had seized the opportunity and boldly demonstrated for Iranian rights to its national resources. Zahedi finally fell out with Mossadegh, who accused him of fostering coup plans. Iran's oil-exports came to a standstill due to sanctions levied by the Western Powers, leading to considerable economic hardships at home, with painful impacts on the labour force. Riots by several tribes of southern Iran and destitute oil-field workers destabilised public life further and demands for political change grew nationwide. The USA, who had held "Mossy", the ailing and previously staunchly pro-American Dr. Mossadegh in high esteem, were fearing increasing communist influence over the situation and dropped their support for him.

As a result of the ensuing international crisis and Iran's political destabilisation, the Shah, encouraged by leading figures, in February of 1953 asked Prime Minister Mossadegh to resign,. Mossadegh refused to abide by the constitutional rights of the sovereign to dismiss him, provoking a national uprising. During a restive interlude Zahedi acted from underground in order to avoid imminent arrest. Shah supporters crowded the streets, calling for the Premier's ousting. Rebellious groups engaged in street-fights with forces loyal to Prime Minister Mossadegh as well as rallying members of the Iranian communist party "Tudeh" (the name implying "Masses").

In August of 1953 Mossadegh attempted to convince the Shah to leave the country. The Shah refused, and formally dismissed the Prime Minister, in accordance with the foreign intelligence plan. Mossadegh refused to resign, however, and when it became apparent that he was going to fight, the Shah, as a precautionary measure foreseen by the British/American plan, on 15th August flew to Baghdad and on from there to Rome, Italy, after hesitantly signing two decrees, one dismissing Mossadegh and the other nominating General Fazlollah Zahedi Prime Minister, subsequent to pressure from the US and UK intelligence agencies. By unconstitutionally refusing to cede power to his destined successor, subsequent to the Shah's dismissal, and foiling attempts to remove him by force, Mossadegh had factually staged a coup d'Etat.

Supported by the politics of the United Kingdom and the USA, and encouraged by the intelligence agents Kermit Roosevelt and Donald N. Wilber, General Fazlollah Zahedi staged a counter coup, drawing public and military support, which succeeded on the 19 August 1953. Legitimized by the Shah's decree, thousands of copies of which were publicly distributed as flyers, Zahedi proclaimed himself Prime Minister and the Shah returned triumphantly to Iran, from his brief exile in Rome, on the 22nd of August.

Here's another take

//iranian.com/main/blog/honest-hassan/dr-mossadegh

RE: Irandokht

"please let us know what type of "misinformation" you have seen in the lectures..."

I'll let you know Irandokht. His misinformation can be seen right here in this very site in his ads. You can read in his ad:

"Many people don't realize that Iran was a democracy at one time... We had a democratic government in 1953... "

He starts with this false premise and then build on it.

The truth: Iran did not have a democracy in 1953.

Here is Houshiar again

Here is Houshiar again doubting the fact that the CIA engineered the coup in Iran in August 1953. We are not talking conspiracies here. The former secretary of state Albright has admitted the role of the United States in the coup. There are documents out there saying this was a Coup D'etat. But the mob was paid to cause riots in the street and topple the government. It's amazing that there are still ignorant and bisavad people out there such as Houshiar who are trying to say that this was not a coup.

Kinzer is definitely not

Kinzer is definitely not interested in what's good for long-term interest of America (perhaps short-term)...that is a given. I don't know whether he knows what he is doing or he is just a mouthpiece for the Democratic party's agenda, which is to prop back the reformers in Iran and make a grand bargain deal with Rafsanjani et al.

Dear Craig

With all due respect, what do you think the mainstream America is interested in besides Britney Spears family life, drug rehab celebrities or Opera's new weight-gain delimma?

Amy Goodman has a show called "Democracy Now!" and it's broadcasted on selected public Radio stations and FreeSpeech TV.

I suggest you start paying attention to this type of programs and broadcast media. Maybe then you would not rely only on iranian.com for the latest news on the progressive front.

"I'm talking about his activism. The organizations he's involved with, the lectures he gives, the public statements he makes."

Then please let us know what type of "misinformation" you have seen in the lectures and his activities.

I understand why he would make Americans who want to export democracy to other countries upset and angry, but that is not due to anything but honest revelations of facts and the history of US' foreign policies.

Thank you

IRANdokht

More on Kinzer

//www.democracynow.org/2008/3/3/stephen_kinze...

//zmagsite.zmag.org/May2007/snart0507.html

//losangeles.tribe.net/event/Stephen-Kinzer-R...

//groups.google.com/group/misc.activism.progr...

Kinzer said today: "Continuing to argue over details of whether Iran is or is not complying with each of its commitments to the IAEA leads us to miss the larger point. The more concerned the outside world is about Iran's behavior -- whether about Iran's nuclear program, its support for militant groups in the Middle East, its repression of civil society or other issues -- the more urgent the case for negotiation becomes. Direct, comprehensive and unconditional negotiations could produce results that would not only reassure Iran's neighbors and help stabilize the Middle East, but also contribute decisively to strengthening American national security. These countries are not only not fated to be enemies forever. They actually have many long-range security interests in common."

Why is he commenting so much about Iran, so many places? And why does it seem that he is so much concerned with what's best for the Islamic Republic, and not what is best for America? I don't think that there is much support for immediate and unconditional negotiation with the IRI, here in the US. That's a bizarre position for him to be taking, if he genuinely expects Americans to believe taht he has the best interests of the US at heart. Wouldn't you agree, IRANdokht? If he wants to lobby for the IRI that is his business - as far as I know, that isn't illegal. I'm just saying that as far as I can tell, that is exactly what he is involved in. Lobbying for the IRI. He doesn't have to make these political statements to sell his book, does he? If the book is interesting and factual, people will buy it anyway.

IRANdokht

I didn't know Amy Goodman has changed nationality!! The first time I heard of Kinzer was on KPFA public radio in the US.

I don't even know what KPFA public radio is. My point is that he's not reaching a mainstream American audience. Nor, in my opinion, is he intending to.

by the way, I am very curious, which part of what Kinzer says is
"misinformation"? Have you even read his book? what are you comparing
it to?

I'm not talking about his book. I'm talking about his activism. The organizations he's involved with, the lectures he gives, the public statements he makes. I ahve checked on him a little - I have little choice as long as I read this webiste, since his name comes up so often. He's even bought advertising on this site. In fact, I think he's bought more advertising here than anyone else. I see his face on a banner ad every time I load Iranian.com, and it's been that way for weks if not months.

I'm sorry, but I really don't belive his target audeince is Americans at all. At least, not the American masses. Maybe the American left. And, obviously, Iranians.

Re: Craig

I didn't know Amy Goodman has changed nationality!! The first time I heard of Kinzer was on KPFA public radio in the US.

by the way, I am very curious, which part of what Kinzer says is "misinformation"? Have you even read his book? what are you comparing it to?

IRANdokht

Dear Craig Programmer,

Bottom line, he's making the case against an attack. He's able to reach a mass audiance, American or otherwise. Period.

Wanna' get to know him better, then google him.

Best,
Behshid

Behshid

He's out there doing interviews, providing information to an American
audiance

It's called MIS-information, not information. I don't belive he's either stupid or ignorant, and he therefore is serving a hidden agenda when he makes misleading claims.

who would probably not be as interested if it was coming from
an Iranian/ Middle Easterner.

What makes you think his target audience is American? I've never heard of this guy, except on this blog.

it's unfortunate

it's hard enough to see people who are advocating military attack on Iran and Iranians call themselves patriotic and vatan-parast, it's even more heartbreaking when you see them slamming someone who cares about the issue enough to speak up against his own country's foreign policies and spread the word to change the public's mind before it's too late...

IRANdokht

Selling the sizzle...

Dearest Jamshid,

Instead of dissecting the author & his book, which is really one man's analysis of the events of '53, why not thank him for the work he's doing to stop a potential attack on Iran. He's out there doing interviews, providing information to an American audiance who would probably not be as interested if it was coming from an Iranian/ Middle Easterner.

He's not claiming to be an authority on Iran's history. Simply, he has written a book and knows how to market himself and make money-Good for him! So long as he can influence people and stop a possible attack.

With much respect,
Behshid

Not enough

The problem with Kinzer is that here we have a Jew that doesn’t fit into the Zionist dictated agenda of neocons. You see you have to blame Mossadeq for the rape of our country by Little Britain and its coconspirator at the time, the US. Otherwise how can you justify the agenda of bombing Iran to democracy? I don’t understand how you can be an Iranian and advocate bombing your mothers and sisters in Iran. 

Thanks to the so-called coup ...

Mossadeq never found the chance to show what a failure he was in managing the finances of the now-nationalized oil revenue! Kinzer is another newborn expert who has found a great outlet for selling his totally unoriginal story: the Iranian-American backers of democratic administrations. Sorry Kinzey but your commodity is not selling well with the rational minded people who lived during Mossadeq’s term of office (as short as it was) and seen the other side of the coin you are trying to sell.

Kinzer's book is not the

Kinzer's book is not the best on the subject, but it's not bad either. What it did in 2003 was to bring attention to Mossadegh and the Coup in the West
He uses a journalistic journal and his anaylysis is not great. He also tends to be way too emotional about the subject. Malcolm Byrne's Mossadegh and the coup of 1953 is better and it is a more scholary book. Iranians, such as Maziar Behrooz and Homa Katouzian, also contributed to that book.

RE: IRANdokht

He is the worst of the worst.

He is a Jew whom is not Zionist enough. That is their problem 

Re: Jamshid

Why so emotional? have you read his book? what is he saying that rubs you the wrong way? or are you this angry because he's speaking against US foreign policies in the middle east and the rest of the world? is it because he says CIA brought Shah back? what is it that he's saying that you are trying to argue with? 

IRANdokht

Thanks

Thanks for posting this Asghar62. Good stuff.

Dear Jamshid: You're the

Dear Jamshid: You're the best. Your analysis of Mossadegh on another thread was absolutely spot on. Why don't we rely on our own writers who were actually at the scene? Why do we need Kinser to tell us our own history?

Here is what Jamshid posted on another thread on Mossadegh:

"Mosadegh was a patriot...
by jamshid on Tue Mar 04, 2008 07:56 PM CST

... but a poorly skilled politician. I do not see Mosadegh's era as a true democracy, and Mosadegh as a true democrat, unless someone can successfully resolve the following delima for me:

1. We consider Mosadegh to be a "democratically elected" prime minister. Althoug he was not elected in a national refrundum, he was elected by a "democratically elected" parliament. It was this parliament that gave Dr. Mosadegh his legitimacy and the title of "democratically elected prime minister."

Then later after that same parliament disagreed with Mosadegh on several important issues, Mosadegh ordered the military to shut the parliament closed. The very same parliament that elected him. This is analogous to president Bush ordering the military to shut down the Senate and Congress because its members opposed him.

This rendered Dr. Mosadegh no different than a dictator. The only difference with other Iranian dictators is that his term was short lived and therefore became a fertile ground for romanticizing him and his government. I myself was one of those who romanticized him in the past.

True democracy can only be accomplished only when the institutions of democracy are built and ingrained into the culture and thinking process of the people. Iran was no where near that in 1953.

Nevertheless, I still firmly believe that he was a patriot and he had the best intentions for his people in mind. But based on his actions, I cannot consider his era as a true democracy. "

//iranian.com/main/node/20377

Kinzer again?

Didn't somebody just do a long post on this guy? If he knows so much about Iran, maybe he should go to Iran and get a job there? He could be AJ's foreign policy advisor or something, no? I would fully support him in that.

Re: Kinzy

I am reposting this: 

Since when this buffoon called Kinzer has become an authority on Iran? The guy himself admits that only recently the 1953 issues of Iran was "brought up to him" and that he was unaware of the facts until recently.

And now suddenly in the span of one year he has become an authority on the subject?

Kinzer is a buffoon. Just look at his face! But he is making good money writing garbage. We disregard our own Iranian researchers and authors who were even alive and in the scene during those times, and instead turn to Stephen Kinzer for info?

This is pathetic! Aboslutely pathetic! No wonder why we are all so misinformed. Kinzy! Of all people a buffoon called Kinzer has become an "authoritive" source of information on Iran's history.

All the Shah's Men

Stephen Kinzer's book is by far the best I have read in the past few years.

I think every Iranian (including our historians) should read this book and learn about what really went on behind the scenes.

Maybe more people would appreciate who Dr Mossadegh was instead of criticizing him and his politics.

Stephen Kinzer is doing more to stop the military attacks on Iran than many of our (always complaining) compatriots would ever do 

Thank you for the very appropriate post

IRANdokht