Word: shahs
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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Mohammed Reza Shah Pahlavi tolerated little political opposition at home, but allegations were increasingly heard in the U.S. that his secret police, SAVAK, were brutalizing Iranian citizens. The Shah was a likable man-erect without being pompous, seemingly calm and self-assured in spite of the tear gas incident, surprisingly modest in demeanor. The air of reticence in his first conversations with me could not have been caused by his unfamiliarity with American Presidents. I was the eighth he had known...
...continued, as other Presidents had before me, to consider the Shah a strong ally. I appreciated his ability to maintain good relations with Egypt and Saudi Arabia, and his willingness to provide Israel with oil in spite of the Arab boycott. At the time of his visit I was especially eager to secure his influence in support of Egyptian President
...captors to his government. After the rescue attempt, little progress was made until Algerian diplomats agreed to serve as official intermediaries between the U.S. and Iran. Through this channel, complex legal questions involving the disposition of the frozen Iranian assets were tackled and Iran dropped its demands that the Shah and all his financial holdings be returned to his homeland. As the election of Nov. 4,1980, approached, Carter believed that "if the hostages were released, my re-election would be assured. If the expectations of the American people were dashed again, there was little chance that I could...
Until this time, those opposing the Shah had been fragmented. Now an identifiable leader was emerging. Perhaps because of his remoteness and air of martyrdom enhanced by 15 years of exile, his constant and unswerving opposition to the Shah, his religious beliefs bordering on fanaticism and his militant attitude in demanding action and violence, Khomeini had gained increasing influence over the anti-Shah forces. Although he was still in Paris, Khomeini was calling for general strikes, the overthrow of the Shah and the establishment of a republic...
Still, there was no question in my mind that the Shah deserved our unequivocal support. Not only had he been a staunch and dependable ally for many years, but he remained the leader around whom we hoped to see a stable and reformed government organized in Iran. We knew little about the forces contending against him, but their anti-American statements were enough to strengthen our resolve to support the Shah...