The Modern Mossadeq
February 11, 2010 marked the 31st anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Iran. However, before Khomenei's return from exile and his subsequent ascent to power, Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadeq attempted to transform Iran through nationalization. Nationalization of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company in 1951 sent Britain into a tizzy. A puppet of the American government, Mohammad Reza Shah attempted to assert power in Iran, but the weak leader failed to rally support he never had. Despite a worldwide oil embargo on Iranian oil, Mossadeq's popularity soared. Although it was not economically ideal, Iranians supported the elimination of foreign powers' control of the Iranian economy and consequently government and society. Ousted from his position in a 195
3 coup orchestrated by the CIA, Mossadeq's nationalization plans never fully materialized. More than fifty years later, the Iranian President Ahmadinejad is globally criticized for Iranian-nuclear aspirations. Western powers view a potential nuclear Iran as a security threat and have aimed to prevent Iran from furthering its nuclear program. Despite selfish security interests, what gives Western powers the right to intervene in Iran's scientific pursuits, and possibly more importantly given the state of American foreign affairs, is the United States still justified to act as a global policeman?
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