During Mossadegh’s time, Iranian peasants were freed from forced labor in their landlords’ estates, factory owners were ordered to pay benefits to sick and injured workers, and unemployment compensation was established. The giant caused 20% of the money landlords received in rent to be placed in a fund to pay for development projects such as pest control, rural housing and public baths.

The giant supported women’s rights and defended religious freedom and allowed courts and universities to function freely. In addition, the colossus was known even by his enemies as scrupulously honest and impervious to the corruption that pervaded Iranian politics.

But above all, the giant was independent. Too independent. Mossadegh had thrown out the British, nationalized the Iranian oil industry in order that Iranians might benefit first from their own resources, and was intent on implementing further sweeping social reforms. And so one day in 1953 - when the US still enjoyed the affections of the Iranian people - the US government decided that Mossadegh should not rule for long. And it schemed and schemed and schemed.

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/FI15Ak...

Perhaps if we had focused a tenth of what we had spent on the invasion of Iraq, and spent it on building Afghani economy, we would not be in the position we are now in. It may already be inevitable that the Taliban will come back, not a pleasant thought.

Recall also how very recent the West has decided to allow (a very limited) democracy in the Middle East;for example, Mohammad Mosaddeq, elected leader of Iran, overthrown by CIA coup d’etat could have become a source of organic reform within Middle Eastern Society.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mossadegh

The regimes that USA supports in that region ussually are not very progressive re: women’s rights. Saudi Arabia has an abysmal record in particular.

During Mossadegh’s time, Iranian peasants were freed from forced labor in their landlords’ estates, factory owners were ordered to pay benefits to sick and injured workers, and unemployment compensation was established. The giant caused 20% of the money landlords received in rent to be placed in a fund to pay for development projects such as pest control, rural housing and public baths.

The giant supported women’s rights and defended religious freedom and allowed courts and universities to function freely. In addition, the colossus was known even by his enemies as scrupulously honest and impervious to the corruption that pervaded Iranian politics.

But above all, the giant was independent. Too independent. Mossadegh had thrown out the British, nationalized the Iranian oil industry in order that Iranians might benefit first from their own resources, and was intent on implementing further sweeping social reforms. And so one day in 1953 - when the US still enjoyed the affections of the Iranian people - the US government decided that Mossadegh should not rule for long. And it schemed and schemed and schemed.

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/FI15Ak03.html

Perhaps if we had focused a tenth of what we had spent on the invasion of Iraq, and spent it on building Afghani economy, we would not be in the position we are now in. It may already be inevitable that the Taliban will come back, not a pleasant thought.

Recall also how very recent the West has decided to allow (a very limited) democracy in the Middle East;for example, Mohammad Mosaddeq, elected leader of Iran, overthrown by CIA coup d’etat could have become a source of organic reform within Middle Eastern Society.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mossadegh

The regimes that USA supports in that region ussually are not very progressive re: women’s rights. Saudi Arabia has an abysmal record in particular.