Kansas City, Examiner, ran a summary from a portion of Romney’s book –
“In Romney’s book, he discusses how the U.S. should not apologize for its “greatness” and feels President Barack Obama shouldn’t either, while citing various times the President has apologized for the country’s historical record of involvement in foreign nations and coup d’etats, such as the 1953 CIA clandestine overthrow of Iranian leader Mohammad Mosaddegh.”
After reading for the millionth time about Romney and "No Apology", it is time to realize exactly what Mitt Romney is wanting to accomplish -
Mitt Romney is attempting to press Americans “hot buttons”, in order to elevate himself as a patriot and distract from his political inconsistencies. Mitt must feel Americans do not know their history and is planning on people’s ignorance to buy into his banter and make enemies globally.
Let’s look at the history -
Mossaddegh over-throw served British oil interest, not American interest. The coup is the primary reason we have bad relations with Iranians and in the region today.
The history behind the over-throw of Mossaddegh, was British oil companies were defrauding Iran of revenue. Iran was receiving a pittance in revenue from Britain. Mossaddegh approached Britain demanding a 50% of the oil revenue, which was the industry standard then as it is today. At the time of the coup, America brokered a 50/50 deal with the Saudi’s.
Mossaddegh was allowing a free press in Iran; he was moving his nation towards an open western style democracy and viewed American as an ally. The British refused the offer of a 50/50 partnership and Mossaddegh in response, nationalized Iranian oil. Britain began planning a coup against Mossaddegh; however, Britain was discovered and then turned to the U.S. for help.
Britain had convinced America, Iran was going through a communist take-over and Iran was planning on becoming allies with Russia. Iran at the time, viewed America as an ally believing the U.S. would back them. Iran had no love for Russia, due to Russian occupation in north Iran in WWII, and Russia’s historical meddling in Iranian politics.
President Truman was not in favor of the coup. Eisenhower approved the coup due to his war time connections. It was a huge error. When knowledge of the coup came to light, it damaged our nation globally, ultimately leading to the rise of the Ayatollah’s.
Most sensible people recognize the coup was a poor decision, did not serve America’s interest; not only harming our nation, but other nations with unexpected ‘blow-back’.
However one feels about Obama’s apology, con or pro, the apology took place during a moment in time. While Mitt’s continually harping on the subject, for political purpose, is doing world view damage to this country. Romney would further damage this nation globally, if he were elected into the presidency, due to his combativeness and lack of diplomacy, increasing the influence of Russia and China.
Reference for summery quote:
http://www.examiner.com/x-32127-Toronto-Headlines-Examiner~y2010m3d25-Mitt-Romney-makes-The-Case-for-American-Greatness-in-Toronto