The Life Story of an American Expat Living in Iran

Journal Entry 1- September 14th,1941Reza Shah’s overthrow

I remember the piercing sounds of bomb explosions that echoed through the capital city of Iran. I remember the Royal Air Force ’s Whitworth Albemarles that flew above downtown Tehran. I remember the gunshots and artillery that rang out behind the mountains. I remember myself looking out of my office’s window at the American Embassy, a smile appeared on my face, the smile of a child being given the sweetest candy in the word. Why was I so happy you may ask yourself? Well, Today was finally the end of the Shah’s terrifying regime. Today the innocent deaths of thousand are avenged.

On the 25th of August, 1941, the British and the Russians joined forces and decided to launch a surprise attack against Iran to liberate the Iranians from the Nazi’s destruction. This was the start of the Anglo-Soviet Invasion of Iran. The superior British Army quickly advanced from Iraq, while the Russians advanced from the north of Iran. As an American Diplomat, I was pleased that the British and the Russians had finally decided it was time to remove the blood-thirsty dictator from his corrupted throne. The Shah did horrible things to control his people.He threatened people that did not follow his rules, punished those who didn't listen with violence, terror and fear and took custom after custom away from the Iranians. He exercised his power through mass executions; the people of Iran were petrified of him and so was I. How could such a person live? How does one person even have the morality to do such things? How?

Not only were the Iranian a victim of the tyrant, but the foreign powers were also a victim of him, which was not a good thing for an American Diplomat living in Iran at the time. Reza Shah made selling houses to Iranian’s illegal, refused loans from other countries and ended numerous concessions, including the British owned Imperial Bank of Iran. I wanted to leave this dreadful place, I didn't want my family to live under such conditions, I didn’t want them to live their life under the rule of a corrupted dictator. There were many things that I didn't want, but it was my obligation to represent the United States of American in Iran. In 1939, Nazi Germany became Iran’s leading trade partner, which didn't do any good to the relationship between other foreign nations and Iran, who were on the edge of a World War with the Krauts. The only reason the Shah wanted the Nazi’s in Iran was because he hopes that the that their presence would balance out the British power and he had no trust for the British. Soon afterwards German agents started pouring into Iran and set their base of operations up in Tehran. I was terrified every foreigner that walked past me looked like they wanted to me dead; everyone looked like a Nazi spy to me.I didn't know what to do, I didn’t know who to trust, I didn't know…

Not long after the start of the Anglo-Soviet Invasion of Iran, the British and Russian Ambassadors were summoned by Reza Shah.The Shah demanded them to explain why Iran was being invaded. Both

The Blood-Thirst Dictator of Iran… The Infamous Reza Shah

answered with the failure of removal of German Residents in Iran. The desperate Shah later asked if the Allies would stop invasion if he expelled German Nationals, but both ambassadors did not reply. He begged the US to stop the attacks, but because the United States was not part of the invasion, The United States couldn't do anything. The Shah knew the end for him was near; he deserved what was coming to him. His cruel regime would finally come to an end.

As bad as Reza Shah seemed, he accomplished many tasks to improve Iran, but not enough to win the loyalty and the support of the Iranians. He hoped to modernize the state and economy to be like the western side of Europe.He built new roads, railroads, factories, hospitals and ports, made sure that public education was allowed at all level for boys and girls, took power away from the Ulama. The Shah also created a legal system that was similar to the one in France. Some of the laws in the system required men to dress in a western style and prevented women from covering their faces with cloth. He saw this as something in the way of modernizing Iran. Many things changed during Reza Shah’s rule, but some things still stayed the same. The amount of economically challenged people didn’t decrease at all, the number of jobs offered

the Iranians also didn't increase and the gap between the poor and the rich didn't decrease. How could a leader even care about an new legal system, when half of his country is starving? How could someone with so much power ignore the people that are in the most pain? Just thinking about the suffering people, rips my heart apart.

As I looked upon the hills, a black trail of smoke rose some the mountain. A moment of silence drew upon the city of Tehran. There was no gunfire, no bomb sounds, no artillery in the distance. In the distance, small figures appeared advancing steadily towards the city of Tehran. I closed my eyes, and the widest smile appeared on my face. Today was the start of a new Iran.

Journal Entry 2- August 19th,1953Mohammad Mosaddegh’s overthrow

A smirk spread on my face, as the chants, screams, and insults from outside flowed into my office. I stood up and strolled to my office window. What idiots, I thought to myself. Outside, two groups of foolish protesters clashed against each other, threatening, insulting and assaulting each other. I burst into laughter watching these naive protesters opposing. Didn’t they know that this whole coup d’etat was planned by the CIA and SIS? I thought to myself while promenading back to my desk. Of course they didn’t, they’re all too ignorant to understand the real cause of this coup d’etat, I concluded. Of course, they didn’t know… I smirked. I took one last glance out of my window before returning to my paperwork. Of course, they didn’t know.

At first light on August 19th, 1953, paid infiltrators posing as Tudeh party members convinced actual Tudeh members to join in on a “revolution” to clear Iran from Capitalism. They took the streets and attacked any symbols of Capitalism, looting private businesses and destroying shops. Tehran’s business district was devastated by the attacks. Soon after, another group of paired infiltrates posing as the Shah’s supporters gathered angry crowds of Iranians who were terrified of the attacks to begin the second coup

Example of Reza Shah’s Westernization of Iran.Women and Men Above can be Seen Wearing Western Clothing

d’etat after the first failed when Mosaddegh found out of the plan in advance. Large crowds of regular citizens, armed with weapons, took to the streets in mass demonstrations. With the support of the army, many stormed government buildings. By the end of the day, Zahedi, the general of the Iranian Army had total control over the government with Mossadegh in custody. To me, Mossadegh had a bright future in front of him. He had the full support of me, the United States and many other foreign countries… before the Red Commies stole his heart and turned him into one of them. He made the worst decision of his life and decided to steal from the British by nationalizing the British-owned oil industry in Iran. Mossadegh could have done so many things that would have made Iran a better country, but he a threw a bright and fruitful future in the trash. He threw it all away.

The moon rose over the city, as the sun slowly sank behind the mountains. Blazing burnt cars, blood stained walls and trampled upon protesters remained on the street outside of the embassy. It was 8:00 p.m. and I was about to wrap up my work and head home. Suddenly, the door of the office burst open and my wife rushed in, in tears. “We can’t live here anymore,” she said sobbing up in front of me, “It’s too

dangerous; we can’t raise our son in this condition! We can’t!” I knew she was right, but I was here to represent my country. How would my beloved country see me if I ran off? I would totally lose my pride and position. I hugged my wife and whispered in her ear, “We can’t leave yet, but everything is going to be alright. Zahedi will be in power soon, and he’ll make everything alright… I promise.” Zahedi was one of the masterminds of the second coup. Backed up by the United Kingdom, the United States and intelligent agent - Kermit Roosevelt Jr - he did the correct thing and arrested Mosaddegh before he could do any more harm to Iran. He then became the prime minister of Iran. Zahedi took full control of Iran and marched towards a brighter future for Iran.

Many things changed during Mossadegh’s time in office. He nationalized the oil industry in Iran and started the first free elections in Tehran. The naive people of Iran loved the changes he made, but they didn't understand his real intentions to turn Iran into a terrifying communist state. That’s why Zahedi and Kermit Roosevelt decided to step in and save the people of Iran. Even though Mossadegh changed many things, some things still stayed the same. Just like during Reza Shah’s regime, Mossadegh decided to get rid of the foreign influence in Iran, by creating the

national front. Also, the unemployment rate maintained the same from Reza Shah’s time in office. Mossadegh let his heart turn dark and destroyed a prosperous future for himself and Iran.

Angry Iranians Beginning the Second Coup d’tat after violent attacks from Tuedeh Party Members

Mossadegh was arrested shortly after the start of the second coup, marking the end of Mossadegh’s

Communist Regime

I embraced my wife, as her tears rolled down my shirt like an internal waterfall. The bloody red moon hung above the city, as chants and screams echoed through the trashed city of Tehran. I took one last look outside of my window into the dark night sky and thought to myself. It’s all going to be alright, it's all going to be alright… Today was the start of something new.

Journal Entry 3- February 1, 1979The Return of Ayatollah Khomeini and Shah Pahlavi’s Fall

The news of Ayatollah Khomeini’s return traveled around the city like wildfire. People were on the streets dancing, singing and celebrating Khomeini’s return from exile to Iran. I stood at my office window in disgust as I looked upon the joyful citizens. My antipathy towards Khomeini hasn't changed ever since I first heard about him. I knew if Khomeini ever returned, all he would do is run Iran back into the ground and destroy the perfect system that Shah Pahlavi had created for the people of Iran. The more I thought about Khomeini, the more animosity I had for him. I took a finally look at the ignorant people of Iran, before taking a long sigh. Everything will be fine… I hope. I really do…

Shah Pahlavi was an incredible leader for the people of Iran and the foreign powers. One of his most successful accomplishments was starting the White Revolution. The White Revolution was not an actual revolution, but rather a series of reforms launched by the Shah. The changes were built to strengthen those who supported the traditional system. He advertised the White Revolution as a step towards westernization. Another reason for the White Revolution was to get rid of the landlord’s influence and earn the support among the peasants and working class, due the increasing hostile threat coming from these two classes. Personally, I loved what the Shah was doing. I believed he was helping Iran becoming modern states like Europe and the United States. The Shah to me was someone that loved his people and took care of them like a mother would take care of her daughter or son. He won the trust and support of me and many foreign states. I truly believed in him and a brighter future for Iran. His reforms included land reforms that favored the lower class, price stabilization, extending rights for women, extending

different possibilities of education for many (literacy corps), an increased amount of medical groups and other various reforms that could benefit the public. I loved him, and to me, he was a savior of a country. But soon after the reforms were put into action, the agricultural business failed to produce more food, leading to shortages and led to price increases that outpaced the growth in wages. Thousands went to the cities to find work, and the cities were filled with inadequate housing, slums, unemployment, and hardship. I didn't want to blame the Shah for these actions; I knew he as trying his best to save Iran. There are going to be ups and downs; all he needed was time. As for the people, they didn't see these changes as I did. In the October of 1977, anti-Shah militants began demonstrations

against the Shah. A year later, 6-9 million people took part in a horrible demonstration against the Shah. On January 16, 1979, the Shah took a “vacation”, which he never returned from. That was the end of the brilliant

regime of Shah Pahlavi. Fourteen days later,

One of the Shah’s reform was the Literacy Corps. The Literacy was sent to the countrysides to educate people that didn't have enough

money for schooling.

Khomeini returned after 15 years of exile and took control of Iran. The fear of him taking control ran through my spine. I was scared… I was truly afraid.

Khomeini was the corrupted leader of the Islamic Revolution. Before he was in power, he told lie after lie about the Shah to the public of Iran. He criticized the Shah’s regime with recordings and articles. He opposed the shah’s relation with the United States, the sale of oil to Israel, the corruption of the system and the failure to help the needy. Khomeini stated that the Republic would fulfill everything the Shah was unable to. People loved his idea; they began to think that Khomeini was right and revolted against the Shah. Khomeini was then kicked out of Iran, which just proved to the Iranians that he was not right and that Khomeini was indeed the not right person to lead Iran. I knew that Khomeini was a terrible person, and I knew living in Iran wasn't the safest for someone like me anymore, but what would I do? I couldn't just runway. I couldn't just hide. I didn't know what to do… Everything was so confusing and chaotic to me. My mind was a mess. It was a mess.

During Shah Pahlavi’s rule, many things changed for Iran. Pahlavi started the White Revolution that included an enormous amount of reforms that benefited the general public. He also tried to improve relationships with foreign countries by westernizing the country and spending more time with American leaders. Even though many things changed during his incredible regime, some things stayed the same. The unemployment rate didn't decrease, just like before. Also, the peasants didn't have enough suitable land to use. If you ask me, Shah Pahlavi’s achievements outweighed his mistakes. Shah Pahlavi was a fantastic leader, but the people didn't see him as I saw him.

I stumbled towards my desk. I didn't believe what had just happened. The Shah has left his people, and a corrupted leader returned. I sat down on my chair and broke down into tears. Why? Why does it have to be like this? I had so many questions that were unanswered, but I knew one… Everything was going to change. Everything.

Journal Entry 4- February 1, 1979Midst of US Hostage Crisis

Darkness… Darkness was all I saw. The screams and threats of the guards were all I heard. Breadcrumbs and water was all I tasted. As if permanently embedded to my mind, photographs scattered and dispersed throughout me like a collage with haunting moments I can never forget. I still remember the guards brutally escorting me to the execution room, blindfolded. I still remember the tight ropes that they tied around my hands, which have left a permanent scar. I still remember the guards loading their guns. Most of all, I remember the trigger going off, expecting my death. I fell to the ground crying; I heard the guards laughing. “تنها یک شوخی!” one said roaring with laughter as he shoved me to the ground. These were the moments that I can never forget…

Khomeini used multiple methods to criticize the Shah’s actions. He criticized him on many topics like the relation

with the US and many other issues.

On November 4, 1979, 300-500 Iranian students from the Muslim Student Followers of the Imam's Line attacked the US embassy. Around 6:30 a.m, a female student was given a metal cutter to cut the lock on the gate of the embassy which she hid under her chador. They rushed in like hungry lions and demanded us to open the front door of the embassy. I was terrified, I didn't know what was going on, what to do. Nothing was processing in my mind. To prevent a war from starting, the American guards were not allowed to use firearms, they were only allowed to use non-lethal force. They used smoke grenades and tear gas to repel the angry mobs, but we knew they couldn’t hold them for long. It was chaotic in the embassy; everyone was running around shredding and burning valuable documents. Everyone was terrified, I didn't know what to do. I thought about my family and kids, who were back in the states. Would I

ever see their faces again? Would my kids never see their loving father again? I didn't know that to think… I just didn't know… Suddenly, I heard the main door of the embassy burst open. The angry chants of death to America flooded the embassy. I was petrified. The chants and running footsteps came closer and closer to me; then I saw them. There were too many to count; they rushed at us screaming threats at us. I was dazed. A single tear rolled down my face; it was over… My freedom was stripped away from me. I was a hostage… They blindfolded us and bonded us, before proudly parading us in front of photographers. Emotions ran through my body. I was angry but terrified at the same time. I knew that Khomeini was not to be trusted. I knew that I should have left Iran earlier. I knew I should have done many things… I should have told my wife I loved her before she boarded her plane… I should have given my children the biggest hug in the world… I should have, could have, would have; doubts run through me.

Life under Khomeini was harder than ever. Islamic dress code was strictly enforced for both men and women, which was required by Islamic law. Freedom of speech and freedom of the press were stricter than ever and often checked. Also, opposition to the religious rule of the clergy or Islam, in general, was often met with harsh punishment. It was not only hard for me, but I could see the suffering that some Iranians were going through. People were beaten on the streets for simply disobeying Islamic laws. Fearing for my life, I was careful not to break any laws, but that was before I was taken as hostage. Ever since I was held hostage, the outside world was cut off from me. The only way I could know what was going on outside of my dark, and small “cell” was from listening to guards conversations. Yesterday, I heard a guard discussing about a rescue

Student Followers rushed into the courtyard of the embassy and scaled the walls after the the chained gate was cut open by a

female student

American Hostages were paraded in front of photographers after the takeover of the embassy

attempt. I was overwhelmed, I knew that the United States would come for us! I didn't lose hope! But as I continued to listen, I soon found out that it failed… My hope sank like a rock threw into a river. The feeling of endless hopelessness rained upon me. Was this the end for me? Ever since the failed hostage rescue, the guards have been harsher than ever. They split us up and scattered us around Tehran, making a single rescue operation impossible. Like many other diplomats, I was beaten day and night and refused to water or food. I was terrified. I was thirsty. I was starving. After more listening, I found out that the United States had frozen 8 billion dollars of Iranian Assets and put heavy sanctions on them. I wanted to laugh; it was the happiest moment I had felt in a long time. I wanted the Iranians to suffer for what they had done.

Day and night. Day and night… Time traveled fast when I was in captive. Soon, 400 days had passed. After eavesdropping on a guard’s conversation, I found out that Iran and Iraq were at war. I was dazed… I knew that if Iran ever went to war with anyone, the United States would have the other countries back. I knew that the US government were angered by the actions of the Iranian government, and I knew they wanted revenge. This would mean that Iran had a greater chance of losing, fighting an army supplied with American weaponry. I was going to be saved! My freedom awaits me! A smile appeared on my face. A smile that disappeared for the last two years reappeared. I was going to be saved… I was going home. During Khomeini's rule in Iran, many things changed like the laws on speech, press and dressing. Also, the government changed from a monarchy to a republic. But some things stayed the same, the hate towards foreign countries continued from Mossadegh’s regime, and the unemployment rate remained at the same once again.The revolution was horrible. It took the perfect Iran that the Shah had created and complete crushed it. Everything the Shah created for the people was destroyed. To make matter worse, Khomeini came in to power, destroying the relationship with the foreign powers. The revolution was a failure, the revolution was a disaster, the revolution destroyed Iran.

As I sat in the corner of my cell blindfolded, a smile appeared on my face. It was the smile of the happiest man in the world! I was overwhelmed. I knew that the revolution was coming to an end. I knew I would be free soon. I knew I would be free…

CITATIONS

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Iranian Soldiers rallied in a trench during the Iran-Iraq War, to be briefed on the attack plans.

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