The nightmare began on November 4, 1979, when the American Embassy in Tehran was overrun, and more than 50 people were taken hostage. President Jimmy Carter attempted diplomatic overtures to no avail and a rescue mission that ended in tragedy. He was up for re-election in 1980, and the Iranian hostage crisis loomed large. Republicans fretted over a last-minute resolution of the crisis that would hand the election to Carter. This was called an “October Surprise”. The Carter administration was unsuccessful, but rumors have lingered that the Reagan Campaign succeeded in pulling off something far more sinister. In 1991, the rumors were revived as a former intelligence agent alleged that a deal was struck between Reagan Campaign Manager William Casey and Iranian Government middlemen to delay any hostage release in exchange for weapons. Despite the implications, Congress shot down the rumors. However, intrepid journalists have exposed more than circumstantial evidence.
Den of Spies is the latest absorbing expose from the excellent Craig Unger(“Boss Rove”). Unger has worked on and off on the “October Surprise” story since 1991 and expands on the work of the late Robert Parry (“Trick or Treason”) in shedding light on one of the darkest corners of the past.
Den of Spies is the latest absorbing expose from the excellent Craig Unger(“Boss Rove”). Unger has worked on and off on the “October Surprise” story since 1991 and expands on the work of the late Robert Parry (“Trick or Treason”) in shedding light on one of the darkest corners of the past.
