Choice Outstanding Academic TitleEverything began to unravel on October 5, 1986, when a Nicaraguan soldier downed an American plane carrying arms to “Contra” guerrillas, exposing a tightly held U.S. clandestine program. A month later, reports surfaced that Washington had been covertly selling arms to Iran (our sworn enemy and a state sponsor of terrorism), in exchange for help freeing hostages in Beirut. The profits, it turned out, were going to support the Contras, despite an explicit ban by Congress. In the firestorm that erupted, shocking details emerged, raising the prospect of impeachment, and the American public confronted a scandal as momentous as it was confusing. At its center was President Ronald Reagan amid a swirl of questions about illegal wars, consorting with terrorists, and the abuse of presidential power. Yet, despite the enormity of the issues, the affair dropped from the public radar due to media overkill, years of legal wrangling, and a vigorous campaign to forestall another Watergate. As a result, many Americans failed to grasp the scandal's full import. Through exhaustive use of declassified documents, previously unavailable investigative materials, and wide-ranging interviews, Malcolm Byrne revisits this largely forgotten and misrepresented episode. Placing the events in their historical and political context (notably the Cold War and a sharp partisan domestic divide), he explores what made the affair possible and meticulously relates how it unfolded—including clarifying minor myths about cakes, keys, bibles, diversion memos, and shredding parties.Iran-Contra demonstrates that, far from being a "junta" against the president, the affair could not have occurred without awareness and approval at the very top of the U.S. government. Byrne reveals an unmistakable pattern of dubious behavior—including potentially illegal conduct by the president, vice president, the secretaries of state and defense, the CIA director and others—that formed the true core of the scandal.Given the lack of meaningful consequences for those involved, the volume raises critical questions about the ability of our current system of checks and balances to address presidential abuses of power, and about the possibility of similar outbreaks in the future.
✔ Author(s): Malcolm Byrne
✔ Title: Iran-Contra: Reagan's Scandal and the Unchecked Abuse of Presidential Power
✔ Rating : 4.5 out of 5 base on (61 reviews)
✔ ISBN-10: 0700625909
✔ Language: English
✔ Format ebook: PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Audio, HTML and MOBI
✔ Device compatibles: Android, iOS, PC and Amazon Kindle
Readers' opinions about Iran by Malcolm Byrne
Jennilee Bartlett
Experience the profound impact of art and creativity in this beautifully written novel. The author's evocative writing and compelling characters bring the story to life. Each chapter explores the transformative power of art with sensitivity and depth. The plot is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. It's a narrative that celebrates the beauty of human expression. Ideal for readers who appreciate stories about art and inspiration.
Whittany Fleming
Delve into the dark and twisted world of a psychological thriller that keeps you guessing. The author's masterful storytelling and complex characters create a gripping narrative. Each plot twist is meticulously crafted, adding to the suspense. The tension builds with each chapter, making it impossible to put down. It's a chilling and captivating read that explores the depths of the human psyche. Perfect for fans of psychological suspense.
Amelie John
Experience the emotional journey of a character discovering their true self in this moving novel. The author's empathetic writing and rich character development create a deeply resonant narrative. Each chapter explores themes of identity, acceptance, and love with sensitivity. The plot's twists and turns keep you engaged from start to finish. It's a heartwarming and thought-provoking read. Perfect for readers who enjoy stories about personal growth and self-discovery.
