More Learned

We continued our look at PBS' The Long Road to War today with a look at the years 1980-1989 (The video will soon take a look back at how Saddam gained control of Iraq.)

Today's topics covered included a look at the events of the Iranian Hostage Crisis, including a description of the split screen of the Reagan Inaugural and the Release of the Hostages, The early stages of the Iran-Iraq War, including the use of chemical weapons in the conflict.

We also examined the nature of the Iran-Contra Scandal, and discussed briefly the role of William Casey and Oliver North.

We also had a discussion of how the Shah of Iran, and how and why the U.S. helped him take power in Iran. His exile helped spark the emergence from exile in Iraq of the Ayatollah Khomeini.

A discussion of the Soviet War in Afghanistan, including the role the U.S. decision to provideStinger missles to the Afghan Muhajadeen....a view I was taught some time ago... although some disagree with that assessment... I did forget to mention the 1980 Olympic Boycott, which was instituted by then President Jimmy Carter.

We concluded the class with a discussion of Saddam Hussien's use of Chemical Weapons at Halabja in 1988, and resulting cooling in the Iraq/America relationship.