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Operation Ajax: How the CIA Learned to Topple Governments
Audio is available on Spreaker — see link below.
In 1953, Britain sold America its first coup — and the CIA bought it. Operation Ajax set the template for covert regime change that would define the Cold War for decades.
Audio is available on Spreaker — see link below.
Before nineteen fifty-three, the United States had never overthrown a foreign government. After nineteen fifty-three, it would do so again and again, with growing confidence and shrinking hesitation.
Here's where the story gets instructive. Britain couldn't do this alone.
The operation was given two names. The British called it Operation Boot.
The first attempt, in August of nineteen fifty-three, collapsed. The Shah had signed the necessary decrees dismissing Mosaddegh, as planned, but word leaked.
The immediate outcome looked like success. The Shah was back.
Ajax did something beyond its immediate political outcome. It established a model.
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