Operation Ajax

Operation Ajax was a covert operation by the U.S. and the UK in 1953 to overthrow Iran's Prime Minister, Mohammad Mossadegh. The goal was to protect Western oil interests. The operation led to the reinstatement of the Shah and increased U.S. influence in Iran, but it also fueled anti-Western sentiments. It's a pivotal event in Middle Eastern history with lasting implications.

In the short term, Operation Ajax was successful; it removed Mossadegh from power and reinstated the Shah, who was more favorable to Western interests. However, its long-term consequences included increasing anti-Western sentiment and setting the stage for the Iranian Revolution in 1979. So, it's a mixed bag of success and unintended consequences.

Additional Resources

• 64 Years Later, CIA Finally Releases Details of Iranian Coup – Foreign Policy

The Chris Hedges Report