Iran-Contra Scandal

Iran-Contra Scandal
What was the Iran-Contra Affair?
How did affect Latin America’s image of the
US?
What was the Iran-Contra Affair?
n 
The Iran-Contra affair was an
international corruption and
political scandal involving the
US, Latin America, and the
Middle East
n 
n 
n 
1986
Nicaragua
Really showed the world
what the US’ attitude was
towards Latin America
n 
Set the US’ current image in
this part of the world
What was Nicaragua like prior to
the 1980’s?
n 
Nicaragua gains
independence from
Spain in 1821
Weak government
n  Disagreement over who
should rule
n 
n 
In the early 1900’s, the
US starts to get involved
n 
n 
Economic reasons
Political reasons
Who were the Somoza Family?
n 
The Somoza family was a
brutal military family of
dictators who ruled
Nicaragua from 1934 till
1979
n 
n 
n 
Pro-US
Anti-Communist
Held onto power through
fear and terror
n 
n 
Secret police
Strong military
Anastasio Somoza
Ruled from 1956 till
his death in 1963
(died of natural causes)
Ruled from 1937 till
his death in 1956
(assassinated)
Ruled from 1963 till
his death in 1979
(exiled / assassinated)
Anastasio Somoza García and his sons Luis Somoza Debayle (left) and
Anastasio Somoza Debayle (right)
During the 1960’s Luis
Somoza allowed the CIA
to train Cuban exiles for
the Bay of Pigs in
Nicaragua…
In 1972, a massive 6.2 earthquake hit the region of Managua, causing over 5,000 casualties.
Anastasio Somoza embezzled millions from the rebuilding effort to enrich himself.
Hall of Fame outfielder for the
Pittsburgh Pirates Roberto
Clemente died in a plane crash
bringing aid to earthquake
victims in Nicaragua.
Sadly, much of his aid never
reached the people, pocketed
by the Somoza regime.
His body was never recovered.
Who were the Sandinistas?
n 
The Sandinistas were a
Communist-based
political party in
Nicaragua
Formed in 1961
n  Fought for an end to the
Somoza family’s rule /
US involvement
n 
n 
Led by Daniel Ortega
n 
Revolutionary / activist
Raul
Castro
Fidel
Castro
Ortega
Ortega at a rally in Cuba during his exile from Nicaragua in the 1960’s with Fidel Castro
Ortega visiting with PLO leader Yassar Arafat in the 1970’s during the high years
of the Sandinistas’ revolt in Nicaragua
How did Somoza rule come to an
end?
n 
In 1978, US suspends
military aid to the Somoza
regime
n 
n 
Without US support, the
Somoza government collapses
In 1979, the Sandinistas
overthrow the Somozas and
sets up a Communist
government
n 
n 
Had the support of the people
Institute needed reforms
How did the US react to the
Sandinistas?
n 
The US was very
concerned about the
Sandinistas
n 
n 
n 
“Cold War worries”
Challenge to their authority
President Ronald Reagan
was especially concerned
about Nicaragua
n 
Called it a “2nd Cuba”
Regan to the Sandinistas: “KILL THE BASTARDS!!!!”
What was Regan’s plan in
dealing with Nicaragua?
n 
Reagan orders the CIA
to start planning the
overthrow of the
Sandinistas
Recruited and armed anticommunist groups
n  Created secret funds ($19
million)
n  Secret campaign of
sabotage / terror
n 
Who were the Contras?
n 
The Contras were the
US’ main antiCommunist group
Founded in 1979
n  Former supporters of the
Somoza family / antiCommunists
n 
n 
Supported by the Church
& and rich who disliked
Communist reforms
Among other tactics, the CIA also arranged for the US military to plan mines
in Nicaraguan harbors to prevent shipments of arms and supplies to the
Sandinistas. Such actions caused international criticism.
American officials reported that CIA
planes were being used to smuggle
cocaine into the US with the proceeds
going to the Contras.
Though this was illegal, nothing was
done to stop it.
How did the American people react
to Regan’s “secret” war?
n 
The American people did
not support Regan’s
moves in Nicaragua
n 
n 
n 
Another “Bay of Pigs”
Is it necessary?
In 1984 Congress
prohibits any more
funding to the Contras
n 
Boland Amendment
Does Regan stop his moves?
n 
HELL NO…
n 
n 
Reagan decides to secretly
evade/break the law
Tactics:
n 
n 
n 
Wealthy individuals:
“charitable” gifts to Contras
State Department approaches
foreign countries for aid
Contras sell drugs in US
(with CIA assistance?)
However it’s not enough…
How does Iran factor into Reagan’s plans?
n 
Reagan believed that Iran could
be used to US’ advantage
n 
n 
Even though it is America’s
enemy
Reasons:
Stop terrorism towards US
allies / troops in the Middle East
n  Win freedom for US hostages
n 
Regan gave authority to National
Security Advisor Oliver North to funnel
money from the sale of weapons from
Iran to the Contras in Nicaragua.
North used a phony organization to
collect the money and then pass it to the
Contras.
The Iran-Contra
Affair
The Contras
How did the American people find out about the
Iran-Contra deals?
n 
In 1986, Regan’s secret
deals with the Contra
were exposed
n 
n 
Sandinistas shot down
American plane carrying
arms and soldiers
Congress begins an
investigation into crash
n 
Discovered the link with
Iran and the White House
As Congress started to push
deeper into the scandal,
North started shredding
and altering all the records
relating to the arms sales /
money.
He was called to testify
before Congress and
admitted later that he lied
under oath.
Eventually North and several members
of Regan’s foreign policy team are
convicted of lying about Iran-Contra.
Regan’s vice-president George H.W.
Bush pardoned them when he became
president…
Despite all the negative press and calls for more investigations, President Reagan was never
charged for any wrongdoing. He remains one of the US’ most popular and respected
presidents.
How did the Iran-Contra scandal affect
America’s standing in Latin America?
n 
Due to American
involvement in Nicaragua,
the country was plagued by
civil war
n 
n 
n 
1979-1990
60,000 people are killed /
disappear
In 1990’s, the Sandinistas are
removed from power under
free elections
n 
n 
However, the US is still seen
negatively
Nicaragua is still try to recover