How I Built This with Guy Raz: "Listen Now - REDACTED: Declassified Mysteries with Luke Lamanna"

Release Date: November 12, 2024

In this riveting episode of How I Built This with Guy Raz, host Guy Raz delves into the shadowy corridors of history with a special focus on covert operations and their long-lasting impacts. The episode titled "REDACTED: Declassified Mysteries with Luke Lamanna" uncovers the intricate details of the CIA-led coup in Iran in 1953, exploring the motivations, executions, and repercussions of this pivotal event.

1. Introduction to Declassified Mysteries

Guy Raz begins by setting the stage for the episode, highlighting the allure of uncovering hidden truths from history. He introduces the narrative of Kermit Roosevelt, a CIA operative tasked with orchestrating the overthrow of Iran’s Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh.

Notable Quote:

"These aren't just conspiracy theories. They're real documented cases that were buried in classified files for decades."
— Narrator, [00:00]

2. Historical Context: Iran in the Early 1950s

The episode provides a comprehensive background of Iran's political climate in the early 1950s. Mohammad Mossadegh's nationalization of Iranian oil threatened Western economic interests, particularly those of the United States and Britain, leading to increasing tensions.

Key Points:

• Mossadegh nationalized Iranian oil industries, disrupting Western profits.
• British Intelligence (MI6) initially spearheaded the coup plans under Operation Boot.
• Mossadegh's ousting of British diplomats intensified the need for American intervention.

3. Introduction to Kermit Roosevelt’s Mission

Kermit Roosevelt, grandson of Theodore Roosevelt, emerges as the central figure. Assigned under the codename James Lockridge, Kermit’s mission was to clandestinely facilitate the coup against Mossadegh.

Notable Quote:

"Kermit smirked and decided it was a good omen, a sign that he would enter this country the same way he planned to leave it, unidentified and unaccounted for."
— Narrator, [01:26]

Details Covered:

• Kermit’s familial legacy and sense of adventure.
• The strategic importance of Iran’s oil reserves.
• Direct orders from President Dwight Eisenhower emphasizing the coup’s necessity.

4. Execution of the Coup

The narrative details the meticulous planning and execution of the coup. Kermit's infiltration into Iran involved covert operations, strategic alliances, and manipulation of local politics to destabilize Mossadegh’s government.

Key Events:

• Kermit's entry into Iran under the guise of a CIA operative.
• Collaboration with MI6 to align Western business interests with political goals.
• The gradual erosion of Mossadegh’s support base leading to his eventual overthrow.

Notable Quote:

"He did what his superiors told him to do. Ten minutes later, the Iranian border agent let Kermit enter the country and Kermit and his driver were back into their dust-coated car and headed for Tehran."
— Narrator, [03:15]

5. Impact and Consequences

Guy Raz examines the immediate and long-term effects of the coup on Iran and international relations. The removal of Mossadegh cemented Western dominance over Iranian oil but sowed seeds of mistrust and resentment that would later contribute to significant geopolitical tensions.

Insights:

• Short-term stabilization of pro-Western governance in Iran.
• Long-term deterioration of US-Iran relations.
• The rise of resentment that fueled future conflicts, including the 1979 Iranian Revolution.

Notable Quote:

"This mission had come directly from President Dwight Eisenhower, the new American president. He believed that a stable, pro-Western Iran was essential for maintaining the balance of power in the Middle East."
— Narrator, [05:30]

6. Reflections and Lessons Learned

In the concluding section, Guy Raz reflects on the ethical and moral implications of such covert operations. The episode challenges listeners to consider the fine line between national interest and sovereignty, and the long-term consequences of interventionist policies.

Concluding Thoughts:

• The ethical dilemmas faced by operatives like Kermit Roosevelt.
• The unintended consequences of foreign interventions.
• The importance of transparency and accountability in government actions.

Notable Quote:

"His great adventure was about to begin, but at what cost to a nation's sovereignty and the operatives' own moral compass?"
— Narrator, [06:45]

Conclusion

This episode of How I Built This masterfully weaves a tale of espionage, political maneuvering, and the complex interplay between national interests and ethical considerations. By dissecting the 1953 Iranian coup through the lens of Kermit Roosevelt's mission, Guy Raz provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of how secret operations shape history and their lasting impact on international relations.

For those intrigued by the clandestine aspects of world events and the stories behind significant historical moments, this episode is a must-listen. It not only sheds light on a pivotal moment in history but also encourages reflection on the broader implications of covert actions in shaping our world.

Listen to "REDACTED: Declassified Mysteries with Luke Lamanna" on the Wondery App or your preferred podcast platform. For early and ad-free access, consider joining Wondery+ here.