Quote:
Originally Posted by NCB
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.
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That's an interesting twist of the truth.
Yes, it was a short lived democracy. It was short lived because, Mossadegh and his government decided it was in the interest of their nation to nationalize the Iranian oil. Yes, the Shah was a more pro-Western leader, but most puppets are beholden to their puppet masters, no?
I think most people can see the irony when Bush and his Administration talk about bringing democracy to the Middle East. The cause for democracy was greatly set back the US intervention in the first place.
Toppling of a moderate like Mossadegh (and propping up other regimes like the Sauds) led inexorably to the rise of fundamentalism in the Middle East.