Quote:
Originally Posted by Charlatan
The Iranians had a democratically elected government in the 1950s which was headed by Prime Minister Mossadegh. It was brought about by moderates seeking reform. It was overthrown with much assistance by the CIA who reinstalled the Shah. The Shah and his brutal regime was then overthrown by the fundamentalists led by Khomeni.
Ironically, the fundamentalists gained power because the moderates were deemed too weak in the face of the Shah and his american backers. Additionally, the Shah squashed freedom of speech and dissent except for in the Mosques. Hence the rise of militism and fundamentalism that went on to become one of the greater threats we seem to face today.
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They had a constitutional monarchy for 4 years. That hardly constitutes a "democratic state they enjoyed". In fact, shortly after their limited elections, Musaddiq ruled with unlimited power, much liken the Shahs had. Thus, the US aided his overthrow for a more pro western leader.