Intelligence Briefing Flashcards
Intelligence Briefing
Subject: Middle East Operations 1979-1988
Top Secret
Student Flashcards: Cut along the solid black lines. Fold along the vertical center or print double-sided (Page 1 Fronts / Page 2 Backs).
File #001-A
Iran Hostage Crisis
File #001-B
Jimmy Carter
File #002-A
Ayatollah Khomeini
File #002-B
Operation Eagle Claw
File #003-A
Iran-Contra Affair
File #003-B
Oliver North
File #004-A
Boland Amendment
File #004-B
The Contras
Analysis Report
Evidence and Summary Findings
Declassified
ID: Carter_J
Role: 39th Pres. (1977-1981).
Impact: Failed to resolve crisis during his term. Authorized 'Op Eagle Claw'.
Result: Crisis perception led to Reagan's 1980 victory.
ID: Tehran_1979
Timeline: Nov 4, 1979 – Jan 20, 1981.
Event: 52 Americans held for 444 days by Iranian revolutionaries.
Cause: U.S. refused to return exiled Shah after Islamic Revolution.
ID: Eagle_Claw
Date: April 24, 1980.
Operation: Secret attempt to rescue hostages using helicopters.
Outcome: Aborted; crash at 'Desert One' killed 8 service members.
ID: Khomeini_R
Role: Supreme Leader (1979–1989).
Context: Led Revolution, replacing the U.S.-backed Shah.
Impact: Transformed Iran into an Islamic Republic; defied U.S. demands.
ID: North_O
Role: NSC Lieutenant Colonel.
Action: Architect of arms-for-hostages deal and funds diversion.
Status: Public face of scandal; multiple convictions (later vacated).
ID: Iran_Contra
Event: Reagan admin officials secretly sold weapons to Iran to fund Contras.
Goal: Free hostages and fight Communism.
Legal: Violated Congressional ban on Contra aid.
ID: Contras_NI
Group: Rebels fighting socialist Sandinista government in Nicaragua.
U.S. Tie: Funded by Iranian missile sales profits.
Issues: Human rights abuses led to funding ban.
ID: Boland_Amend
Legislation: Acts passed by Congress (1982-1984).
Provision: Prohibited U.S. from using funds for military aid to Contras.
Impact: Led to the admin's illegal 'covert' workarounds.
