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Muhammad Mossadegh: A Tragic Victim of Anglo-American Imperialism

Craig Carter

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Published in Patriot Of Persia: Muhammad Mossadegh And A Tragic Anglo American Coup

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Muhammad Mossadegh was a brilliant Iranian politician, scholar, and nationalist who served as Prime Minister of Iran from 1951 to 1953. He is best known for his efforts to nationalize Iran's oil industry, which was controlled by the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC). Mossadegh's nationalization efforts were met with fierce resistance from the British government, which saw its oil interests in Iran as vital to its imperial power. In 1953, the British government, with the support of the United States, orchestrated a coup d'état that overthrew Mossadegh and installed the pro-Western Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi as dictator.

Patriot of Persia: Muhammad Mossadegh and a Tragic Anglo-American Coup

by Christopher de Bellaigue

4.6 out of 5

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Mossadegh's overthrow was a major setback for Iranian democracy and society. The coup not only ended Iran's experiment with democratic government, but it also paved the way for decades of authoritarian rule under the Shah. The Shah's regime was corrupt and repressive, and it brutally suppressed dissent. The Shah's rule also led to Iran's increasing dependence on the United States, which became the Shah's main patron and protector.

Mossadegh's legacy is a complex one. He is a hero to many Iranians, who see him as a symbol of Iranian nationalism and resistance to foreign imperialism. However, he is also seen by some as a flawed figure who made mistakes that ultimately led to his overthrow. Regardless of one's opinion of Mossadegh, there is no doubt that he was a tragic victim of Anglo-American imperialism.

Mossadegh's Early Life and Career

Muhammad Mossadegh was born in Tehran, Iran, in 1882. His father was a wealthy landowner and government official, and his mother was a member of the Qajar dynasty, which ruled Iran from 1794 to 1925. Mossadegh received a traditional Iranian education, but he also studied in Europe, where he was exposed to Western ideas and values. Mossadegh returned to Iran in 1914 and began his career as a lawyer and politician.

Mossadegh quickly rose through the ranks of Iranian politics. He was elected to the Iranian parliament in 1916, and he served as Minister of Finance from 1920 to 1921. In 1923, Mossadegh was appointed governor of the province of Khorasan. He served in this position for five years, and he earned a reputation as a competent and honest administrator.

In 1930, Mossadegh was elected to the Iranian senate. He served as president of the senate from 1944 to 1946, and he played a leading role in the drafting of Iran's new constitution.

Mossadegh's Premiership and the Nationalization of Iran's Oil Industry

In 1951, Mossadegh was elected Prime Minister of Iran. His election was a major victory for the Iranian nationalist movement, which had been campaigning for the nationalization of Iran's oil industry. Mossadegh immediately began to take steps to nationalize the AIOC, which was controlled by the British government.

The British government was furious about Mossadegh's nationalization efforts. The British government saw its oil interests in Iran as vital to its imperial power, and it was determined to prevent Mossadegh from nationalizing the AIOC.

The British government began to exert pressure on Mossadegh to abandon his nationalization plans. The British threatened to cut off Iran's oil exports, and they also threatened to invade Iran. Mossadegh refused to be intimidated by the British threats, and he continued to push forward with his nationalization plans.

In 1953, the British government, with the support of the United States, orchestrated a coup d'état that overthrew Mossadegh and installed the pro-Western Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi as dictator.

The Anglo-American Coup

The Anglo-American coup against Mossadegh was a major turning point in Iranian history. The coup not only ended Iran's experiment with democratic government, but it also paved the way for decades of authoritarian rule under the Shah. The Shah's regime was corrupt and repressive, and it brutally suppressed dissent. The Shah's rule also led to Iran's increasing dependence on the United States, which became the Shah's main patron and protector.

The Anglo-American coup against Mossadegh was a clear violation of international law. It was also a major setback for the Iranian nationalist movement. The coup sent a clear message to other countries that the United States and Britain would not tolerate any challenges to their imperial interests.

Mossadegh's Legacy

Mossadegh's legacy is still relevant today. The Iranian people are still struggling for democracy and independence. The United States and Britain continue to interfere in Iranian affairs. And the global struggle against imperialism continues.

Muhammad Mossadegh was a brilliant Iranian politician, scholar, and nationalist who was overthrown in a CIA-backed coup in 1953. Mossadegh's overthrow was a major setback for Iranian democracy and society, and it paved the way for decades of authoritarian rule under the Shah. Mossadegh's legacy is a complex one, and he is still seen by many as a symbol of Iranian nationalism and resistance to foreign imperialism.

Patriot of Persia: Muhammad Mossadegh and a Tragic Anglo-American Coup

by Christopher de Bellaigue

4.6 out of 5