Fiasco: Iran-Contra – Episode 3: Contra Dance

Overview

In the third episode of Fiasco, titled "Contra Dance," host Leon Neyfakh delves deep into the intricate and clandestine maneuvers that defined the Iran-Contra affair. This episode meticulously chronicles the evolution of the Contra movement in Nicaragua, the Reagan administration’s covert support for the rebels, the legal battles that ensued, and the pivotal roles played by key figures like Oliver North and Congress members such as Edward Boland. Through vivid storytelling and insightful interviews, Neyfakh paints a comprehensive picture of how political ambitions, covert operations, and legislative constraints intertwined, leading to one of the most controversial periods in American political history.

1. The Aftermath of the Managua Earthquake and the Rise of Somoza

The episode opens with a harrowing account of the devastating earthquake that struck Managua, Nicaragua, on Christmas Eve 1972. With [02:15] Leon Neyfakh describes the city’s near-total destruction: "90% of the city has been utterly destroyed." In the chaos that followed, right-wing dictator Anastasio Somoza declared martial law, consolidating his power amidst widespread accusations of corruption and mismanagement of foreign aid. Victoria Gonzalez Rivera, a history professor, recounts the oppressive atmosphere under Somoza’s regime, highlighting the pervasive military presence and escalating violence:

Victoria Gonzalez Rivera [04:30]: "I remember the blood on the road. The violence just became really, really widespread."

2. Emergence and Rise of the Sandinistas

As Somoza's grip tightened, opposition coalesced around the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), named after the nationalist leader Augusto Sandino. The Sandinistas successfully ousted Somoza in July 1979, ushering in a period of optimism with significant social reforms in education and public health. Victoria Gonzalez Rivera reflects on the initial euphoria:

Victoria Gonzalez Rivera [09:45]: "For the first time in years, it felt as though peace was coming to Nicaragua."

However, this optimism was short-lived as the Sandinista government faced mounting resistance from former Somoza supporters and other dissenting groups, leading to the rise of the Contras—a coalition of counter-revolutionaries intent on overthrowing the Sandinista regime.

3. Reagan’s Cold War Paradigm and the Rise of the Contras

With the onset of Reagan’s presidency, the Cold War tensions intensified. Reagan, determined to prevent the spread of communism in Central America, perceived the Sandinistas as a Soviet foothold in the Western Hemisphere. Doyle McManus, a reporter, explains the Reagan administration's perspective:

Doyle McManus [16:50]: "Nicaragua looked poised to turn into a Soviet outpost in the Western Hemisphere if something wasn't done."

Despite widespread American apprehension towards another Vietnam-like engagement—what was termed the "Vietnam syndrome"—Reagan pushed forward with policies aimed at supporting the Contras, viewing them as essential to counter Soviet influence.

4. The Boland Amendment and Congressional Pushback

As the Reagan administration sought to covertly support the Contras, Congress responded with the Boland Amendment, which aimed to restrict U.S. government assistance to the rebel groups. Edward Boland, a Democratic Congressman, emerged as a key opponent of Reagan’s strategies:

Edward Boland [22:10]: "The Reagan administration is trying to overthrow the Nicaraguan government with the guerrillas."

Despite the initial Boland Amendment passing with bipartisan support, Reagan’s team found loopholes to continue aid, leading to further legislative tightening with the Bowen Amendment. This constant tug-of-war between the executive and legislative branches underscored the constitutional tensions of the time.

5. The Covert Operations and the Formation of the FDN

To circumvent the Boland Amendment, the Reagan administration intensified its covert operations through the National Security Council (NSC), with Oliver North at the helm. North, eager to prove his indispensability, spearheaded efforts to supply the Contras with funds, weapons, and logistical support. Anne Rowe, author and journalist, provides insight into North’s motivations:

Anne Rowe [30:25]: "He wanted to be the man who could be relied on to accomplish any task his superiors put in front of him."

The CIA played a pivotal role in organizing the Nicaraguan Democratic Force (FDN), a facade for Contra operations. Edgar Chamorro, a member of the FDN, reveals the orchestrated nature of these efforts:

Edgar Chamorro [35:10]: "We could back that if you wanted to organize and mobilize American public support for this great crusade against Soviet communism, you needed some heroes, you needed some good guys."

6. Funding the Contras: Foreign Donations and Private Contributions

With congressional funds increasingly restricted, North and his team turned to foreign donations and wealthy American backers to finance the Contra movement. Significant contributions flowed in from countries like Saudi Arabia and private donors, many of whom were persuaded by emotional appeals and promises of influence:

Ellen Garwood [40:50]: "I love that list had different categories of weapons... It was as thrilling to the donors as it was to North."

However, these fundraising efforts were riddled with missteps, such as the infamous misrouted funds to Swiss banks, highlighting the precarious nature of circumventing legal restrictions.

7. Internal Struggles and Atrocities within the Contras

Despite the administration’s efforts to portray the Contras as noble freedom fighters, reports of brutality, including civilian massacres and human rights abuses, marred their image. Edgar Chamorro became disillusioned with the movement’s tactics:

Edgar Chamorro [45:20]: "I don't believe in the end justify the means. I believe the means and the ends have to be good."

These internal conflicts exposed the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by those involved in the Contra war, further complicating the Reagan administration’s narrative.

8. Revelations, Scandals, and the Seeds of Iran-Contra

The Contra operations began attracting significant media attention, notably with the Newsweek exposé revealing extensive CIA involvement and the ethical quagmires of covert support. A pivotal moment occurred when the Wall Street Journal uncovered the CIA’s direct role in sabotaging Nicaraguan infrastructure, leading to widespread backlash:

Doyle McManus [55:35]: "Barry Goldwater... 'I am pissed off.'"

Senator Barry Goldwater's frustration highlighted the deepening rift between the executive branch and Congress, setting the stage for the eventual Iran-Contra hearings.

9. Reagan’s Reelection Amidst Controversy

Despite mounting scandals, Reagan maintained strong political support, exemplified during the heated presidential debates where his slip regarding CIA operations momentarily shook his campaign. Nonetheless, his ability to overshadow controversies with charismatic leadership led to a landslide reelection, winning 49 out of 50 states.

Leon Neyfakh [1:05:50]: "Reagan was re-elected by an astounding margin. He won 49 out of the 50 states."

10. The Escalation and Continued Evasion of Legal Constraints

With Congress tightening the Boland Amendment, the Reagan administration escalated its covert efforts, further entrenching figures like Oliver North in the Iran-Contra saga. North’s relentless pursuit to supply the Contras, despite legal prohibitions, exemplified the administration’s determination to achieve its foreign policy objectives at any cost.

Notable Quotes

• Victoria Gonzalez Rivera [04:30]: "I remember the blood on the road. The violence just became really, really widespread."

• Doyle McManus [16:50]: "Nicaragua looked poised to turn into a Soviet outpost in the Western Hemisphere if something wasn't done."

• Edward Boland [22:10]: "The Reagan administration is trying to overthrow the Nicaraguan government with the guerrillas."

• Anne Rowe [30:25]: "He wanted to be the man who could be relied on to accomplish any task his superiors put in front of him."

• Edgar Chamorro [35:10]: "We could back that if you wanted to organize and mobilize American public support for this great crusade against Soviet communism, you needed some heroes, you needed some good guys."

• Ellen Garwood [40:50]: "I love that list had different categories of weapons... It was as thrilling to the donors as it was to North."

• Edgar Chamorro [45:20]: "I don't believe in the end justify the means. I believe the means and the ends have to be good."

• Doyle McManus [55:35]: "Barry Goldwater... 'I am pissed off.'"

• Leon Neyfakh [1:05:50]: "Reagan was re-elected by an astounding margin. He won 49 out of the 50 states."

Conclusion

Episode 3 of Fiasco provides a compelling narrative of the complex interplay between clandestine operations, political ambition, and legislative oversight during the Iran-Contra affair. By weaving personal accounts with historical analysis, Leon Neyfakh offers listeners a nuanced understanding of how the Reagan administration’s determination to combat perceived communist threats led to ethical compromises and political scandals that would shape American politics for years to come.

Looking Ahead

The episode concludes by setting the stage for the next installment, promising an in-depth exploration of the secret missions led by Oliver North and Bud McFarlane into the heart of Iran, further unraveling the tangled web of the Iran-Contra scandal.

For the full season of Fiasco: Iran-Contra, subscribe to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or visit Pushkin.fm.