Iran & Afghanistan MOORE JMU

What was the purpose of the Anglo-Russian Agreement of 1907?

To settle territorial disputes in Central Asia.

How was the territory divided in the Anglo-Russian Agreement?

Divided into north (Russia) and south (British).

What significant discovery was made in the British part of the territory in 1908?

Oil was discovered, leading to the formation of an oil company that became BP.

What was one reason for the Anglo-Soviet occupation during World War II?

To control oil resources and safeguard a supply route key to an Allied victory over the Nazis.

What does 'Shah' mean in the context of Iran during World War II?

Shah means king.

How did the US and Britain view Iran during the Cold War?

As an important ally to contain Communism and a base for spying on the Soviet Union.

What was a major source of discontent among the Iranian population during World War II?

They were unhappy that their oil resources were controlled by the British.

What was Mohammad Mossadeq known for in Iran?

He was a champion for protesting foreign intervention in Iran.

What was Mossadeq's vision for Iran?

To create a secular Iran with a western-based system replacing Islamic laws.

What was the significance of non-alignment for countries like Iran during the Cold War?

Non-aligned countries were neutral, and the US feared Iran could fall to Soviet influence.

What was the outcome of the nationalization of Iranian oil under Mossadeq?

It eliminated BP's control and turned oil into a resource for the state, allowing profits to be invested in Iran.

What action did Britain take in response to Iran's nationalization of oil?

Britain organized an international boycott of Iranian oil.

What was the result of Britain's boycott of Iranian oil?

It damaged Iran's economy and led to a loss of popular support for Mossadeq.

What was Operation Ajax?

A 1953 CIA operation that secretly sponsored protests against Mossadeq to protect Western interests.

What motivated the CIA's Operation Ajax?

To protect control of Iranian oil resources and prevent Iran from becoming a Soviet satellite.

What was the outcome of Operation Ajax?

It led to the reinstatement of the Shah, who ruled until the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

What was one consequence of the Iranian population's resentment during the Cold War?

They felt used as pawns in the Cold War and exposed to unnecessary danger.

What educational background did Mohammad Mossadeq have?

He was a child of Iranian elites and educated in the Western tradition.

Why might the West have been pleased with Mossadeq's vision for Iran?

It could be seen as proof that their civilizing mission was successful.

What was a key factor in the protests against foreign intervention in Iran?

The proceeds from oil were benefiting foreign powers rather than Iran itself.

What was the Shah's role after his return to power?

Restored but less popular, with a limited role and a crackdown on Iranian police.

What significant changes did the Shah implement during the White Revolution?

Industrialized the economy, gave more rights to women, increased education and literacy, replaced Islamic law with civil law, and commercialized agriculture.

What was the impact of the White Revolution on Iranian peasants?

Commercialization of agriculture left peasants landless, leading to their relocation to Tehran and widening the gap between rich and poor.

What were the main grievances of the Shiite clerical opposition in the 1970s?

Opposition to foreign presence, large reforms, accusations of corruption and repression against the Shah, and a promise to return to Islamic law and traditions.

What social services did the Shiite clerical opposition provide?

Offered free lectures and classes to students and provided social welfare services to the poor.

What was the outcome of the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran?

The revolution transformed Iran into a theocracy, overthrowing the Shah and establishing an Islamic republic.

Who was Ayatollah Khomeini?

The leader of the Islamic Revolution and founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, advocating for a radical interpretation of Islam.

What were the two options the Shah faced during the 1979 Islamic Revolution?

Preserve the monarchy by instating his son as Shah or let the revolution succeed, which was favored by the US.

What was the Iran Hostage Crisis?

A crisis from 1979 to 1981 when Iranian students took over the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, holding 52 American diplomats hostage.

What demands did the hostage-takers make during the Iran Hostage Crisis?

They demanded the return of the Shah to stand trial in Iran and the freezing of Iranian assets held by the United States.

How long did the Iran Hostage Crisis last?

444 days.

What was the significance of the Iran Hostage Crisis on U.S.-Iran relations?

It led to economic sanctions and strained diplomatic ties between the two countries.

What does the term 'Great Game' refer to?

The strategic rivalry and power struggle between the Russian Empire and the British Empire for influence in Central Asia, including Afghanistan.

What was the Silk Road's role in historical trade?

It facilitated trade between empires.

What was the impact of the White Revolution on women's rights in Iran?

It granted more rights to women.

What educational advancements occurred during the White Revolution?

Increased education and literacy in Iran.

What legal changes were made during the White Revolution?

Islamic law was replaced with civil law.

What was the relationship between the Shah and Britain regarding Iranian oil?

The Shah gave Britain back control of Iranian oil with higher royalties.

What was the Shiite clerical opposition's stance on foreign influence?

They rallied against foreign influence in Iran.

What was the role of Shiite clerics after the Islamic Revolution?

They took leadership positions in the new theocratic government.

What was one of the consequences of the Shah's policies during the White Revolution?

It led to unrest and opposition from various groups, including the Shiite clerics.

What was the Shah accused of by the Shiite clerical opposition?

Corruption and repression.

What was the Great Game?

A geopolitical rivalry involving diplomatic maneuvers, espionage, proxy wars, and attempts to gain alliances, particularly between Russia and Britain in Afghanistan.

What was the significance of modernization under the shah in Afghanistan?

In 1919, Afghanistan began a process of modernization and state-building, similar to other nations, with investments in roads and schools by the Soviet Union and the US.

What event occurred in Afghanistan in 1978?

The People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan (communists) overthrew the Shah and seized control of the country.

Why was popular support for communism thin in Afghanistan?

Support was limited due to the country's terrain, which facilitated isolation and non-communication, and a lack of national cohesiveness.

Who were the Mujahedeen?

The Mujahedeen were 'warriors' opposing the communist rule in Afghanistan, proclaiming themselves champions of Islam and engaging in guerilla warfare.

What was the international response to the Mujahedeen during the Soviet invasion?

Countries like the US, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia provided significant support, including weapons and training, to weaken the Soviet Union's influence.

What role did the CIA play in the Afghan conflict?

The CIA coordinated support for the Mujahedeen, providing military aid as part of the Reagan Doctrine to roll back Soviet influence.

What were the unintended consequences of international support for the Mujahedeen?

The conflict contributed to the Soviet Union's withdrawal in 1989 and gave rise to militant Islamist groups, including the Taliban.

What was the Taliban's role in Afghanistan?

The Taliban, a faction of the Mujahedeen, captured Kabul in 1995 and declared themselves the official government, instilling a radical form of theocracy.

How did the Taliban's rule affect daily life in Afghanistan?

The Taliban imposed many restrictions, eradicated foreign influence, and created a haven for groups like Al-Qaeda.

What was the justification for the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in 2001?

The U.S. justified the invasion by stating that harboring terrorists was as bad as terrorism itself.

How long did U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan last?

U.S. military involvement lasted 20 years.

What happened to the fragile democracy in Afghanistan after 2014?

The fragile democracy began to crumble, leading to negotiations with the Taliban for troop withdrawal.

What parallels can be drawn between the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and Vietnam?

The similarities between the two withdrawals, particularly regarding the challenges faced and the outcomes, cannot be denied.

What was the role of Osama Bin Laden in Afghanistan?

Osama Bin Laden was a volunteer in guerrilla warfare and later led Al-Qaeda, which used Afghanistan as a base for terrorist activities.

What was the Taliban's stance on foreign influence?

The Taliban sought to eradicate foreign and western influence from Afghanistan.

What was the impact of the Soviet Union's withdrawal from Afghanistan?

The withdrawal in 1989 marked the end of direct Soviet involvement but led to ongoing instability and the rise of militant groups.

What was the nature of the Taliban as a government?

The Taliban was a government faction rather than an outright terrorist group like Al-Qaeda, but they followed a radical interpretation of Islam.

How did the terrain of Afghanistan affect its political development?

The rugged terrain facilitated isolation and hindered communication, impacting the development of national cohesiveness.

What was the Reagan Doctrine?

A strategy aimed at rolling back Soviet influence and supporting anti-communist movements worldwide, including in Afghanistan.

What was the impact of the Mujahideen's guerilla warfare tactics?

Their tactics became a training ground for future conflicts, influencing guerrilla warfare strategies globally.

What was the Taliban's composition?

The Taliban primarily consisted of young students, many from Pakistan, following an extremely radical branch of Islam.