Fiasco: Iran-Contra – Bonus Episode: Intermission
Host: Pushkin Industries
Release Date: April 28, 2025

Introduction

In this special bonus episode of Fiasco, host Leon Neyfakh delves deeper into the labyrinthine Iran-Contra scandal by featuring an exclusive conversation with Martha Honey and Tony Avrigan, a dedicated husband-and-wife journalism team. Their firsthand experiences reporting from Costa Rica during the mid-1980s provide a unique and intimate perspective on one of America's most controversial political episodes.

Martha and Tony’s Reporting in Costa Rica

Martha and Tony Avrigan were stationed in Costa Rica, a nation renowned for its abolition of the military and emphasis on infrastructure and education. While Costa Rica remained peaceful, neighboring countries like Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala were engulfed in conflict, making Costa Rica an ideal yet complex base for reporting on the Contra war.

Martha Honey discusses the initial challenges in convincing their editors about the presence of Contras in Costa Rica:

“The official story was that all of the infrastructure and the war against Nicaragua was out of Honduras, the northern front, and we moved to Costa Rica, which became known as the Southern front...we very quickly began to develop sources who told us much more.”
— [04:33]

The Contras in Costa Rica, led by Eden Pastora, were distinct from their northern counterparts. Pastora, a former Sandinista, commanded forces that were perceived as less brutal and more locally motivated, comprised largely of peasants disillusioned with Sandinista reforms.

The Assassination Attempt on Eden Pastora

A pivotal moment in their reporting career occurred during a press conference intended to mark Eden Pastora’s public break from CIA support. Tony Avrigan recounts the harrowing experience:

“...the bomber, the person who came to the press conference with 4 pounds of C4 plastic explosive... put that down underneath the counter... and then went outside and set it off by remote control... it killed three journalists and left nearly 20 people injured.”
— [19:16]

This tragic event not only resulted in significant personal injuries for Tony but also became a catalyst for Martha and Tony's subsequent investigations into the true nature of Contra operations and possible CIA involvement.

The Investigation and Lawsuit

In the aftermath of the bombing, Martha and Tony partnered with the Committee to Protect Journalists to uncover the bomber’s identity. Their investigation uncovered ties between the Contras and drug trafficking, suggesting that covert operations often blurred ethical lines.

Martha Honey reflects on the difficulties they faced:

“...there was the CIA operatives or contract employees in the field... the central question... how far up the line of command did profiting from the drug operations go? And I don't think we know that.”
— [12:44]

Their persistent efforts led to a lawsuit filed in June 1986 by lawyer Danny Sheehan, alleging a conspiracy involving American figures like John Hull and Major General Richard Secord. Although the lawsuit was ultimately unsuccessful, it shed light on the extensive and clandestine networks supporting the Contras.

Martha Honey on the lawsuit’s impact:

“...it did help to dismantle the Southern front... [and] led to the growing awareness of the Iran Contra scheme.”
— [34:11]

Drug Smuggling and CIA Involvement

A significant aspect of the Iran-Contra scandal revolves around allegations of drug smuggling facilitated by the Contras with possible CIA complicity. Martha and Tony's investigations revealed that covert operations often provided cover for illicit activities, such as the smuggling of cocaine into the United States.

Tony Avrigan explains the connection:

“The CIA had this problem that they had to move arms in through these very small airstrips... they would fly back with drugs that started to come up from Colombia...”
— [11:39]

Despite the lack of concrete evidence linking high-level CIA officials directly to drug trafficking, the pervasive nature of these operations made it challenging to obtain definitive proof.

Martha Honey elaborates on the difficulties in establishing these connections:

“...the whole drug connection was very hard... we never had the real hard evidence.”
— [37:27]

Conclusion and Insights

The narrative woven by Martha and Tony Avrigan underscores the convoluted and shadowy nature of the Iran-Contra affair. Their experiences highlight how clandestine operations, political ambitions, and illicit activities intertwined to create a scandal that remains partially obscured by secrecy and conflicting accounts.

Leon Neyfakh encapsulates the episode’s essence:

“The deeper you dive, the more reason you have to doubt every story you hear, and the harder it gets to pin anything down.”
— [35:04]

This bonus episode not only enriches the overarching narrative of Fiasco but also serves as a testament to the relentless pursuit of truth by journalists in the face of danger and deception.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Martha Honey on the hidden Contra presence:
  “...our regular group...Contras had a reputation for being less brutal...” — [05:00]

• Tony Avrigan on his injuries:
  “I didn't think I was going to die, but I thought if I did die, it was going to be because of this.” — [19:02]

• Martha Honey on the complexities of the investigation:
  “...there was so much money behind it and so much interest in keeping a lid on it.” — [38:06]

• Tony Avrigan on the challenges of reporting:
  “...the supply of arms to the Contra, the connections between the CIA and drug trafficking, it's much more involved and it just doesn't fit into a fast news story.” — [36:12]

Final Thoughts

Martha and Tony Avrigan’s account provides a nuanced understanding of the Iran-Contra scandal, emphasizing the perilous intersection of journalism, politics, and covert operations. Their story is a crucial piece in unraveling the complexities of this historical fiasco, offering listeners an engaging and informative deep dive into a pivotal moment in American history.

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