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Muhammad Mossadegh and the Tragic Anglo-American Coup

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

by Christopher de Bellaigue

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Muhammad Mossadegh was a prominent Iranian politician who served as Prime Minister from 1951 to 1953. He is best known for his role in the nationalization of Iran's oil industry, which led to a coup d'état orchestrated by the United States and the United Kingdom.

Mossadegh was born in Tehran in 1882 to a wealthy family. He studied law in Switzerland and France, and upon his return to Iran, he entered politics. He served in the Iranian parliament for many years, and in 1951, he was elected Prime Minister.

One of Mossadegh's first acts as Prime Minister was to nationalize Iran's oil industry. This move was highly unpopular with the British, who had controlled the Iranian oil industry for many years. The British government pressured the United States to intervene, and in 1953, a CIA-backed coup overthrew Mossadegh and installed a pro-Western government.

Mossadegh was arrested and imprisoned after the coup. He was eventually released in 1961, but he remained under house arrest until his death in 1967.

The coup against Mossadegh had a profound impact on Iranian history. It led to the overthrow of a democratically elected government and the installation of a pro-Western dictatorship. The coup also damaged relations between Iran and the United States for many years.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in Mossadegh and his role in Iranian history. A number of books and articles have been published about him, and his legacy continues to be debated today.

Mossadegh's Early Life and Career

Muhammad Mossadegh was born in Tehran on June 16, 1882. His father, Mirza Hedayatollah Vaziri, was a wealthy merchant and landowner. His mother, Malek Taj Khanum, was the daughter of a Qajar prince. Mossadegh was the eldest of three children.

Mossadegh received his early education at home from private tutors. In 1898, he was sent to study at the Saint-Louis School in Isfahan. He later attended the American College of Tehran and the University of Neuchâtel in Switzerland. In 1909, he received a law degree from the University of Paris.

After completing his studies, Mossadegh returned to Iran and began practicing law. He quickly became one of the most prominent lawyers in the country. He was known for his integrity, his dedication to his clients, and his commitment to social justice.

In 1915, Mossadegh was elected to the Iranian parliament. He served in the parliament for many years, and he quickly rose to become one of the most influential members.

Mossadegh's Role in the Nationalization of Iran's Oil Industry

In 1951, Mossadegh was elected Prime Minister of Iran. One of his first acts as Prime Minister was to nationalize Iran's oil industry. This move was highly unpopular with the British, who had controlled the Iranian oil industry for many years.

The British government pressured the United States to intervene, and in 1953, a CIA-backed coup overthrew Mossadegh and installed a pro-Western government.

Mossadegh's Legacy

Muhammad Mossadegh is a complex and controversial figure. He is admired by many Iranians for his role in the nationalization of Iran's oil industry. However, he is also criticized for his authoritarian tendencies and his close ties to the United States.

Despite the controversy surrounding him, Mossadegh remains an important figure in Iranian history. He is a reminder of the struggle for democracy and self-determination in Iran.

Abrahamian, Ervand. The Coup: 1953, the CIA, and the Roots of Modern U.S.-Iranian Relations. New York: New Press, 2013.
Gasiorowski, Mark J. The 1953 Coup d'État in Iran. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2004.
Kinzer, Stephen. All the Shah's Men: An American Coup and the Roots of Middle East Terror. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 2003.
Mossadegh, Mohammad. Memories of the Nationalization of the Iranian Oil Industry. Tehran: Mellat Press, 1954.

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

by Christopher de Bellaigue

4.6 out of 5