Episode 38: The Long and Complicated Relationship Between Iran and the United States with John Ghazvinian

Jon and Matt were joined by Dr. John Ghazvinian to speak about the complicated history of the Iran and the United States. While many listeners are likely familiar with the more recent decades of this relationship, in which the US has been engaged  in aggression against Iran since 1953, the relationship is actually far older, more complicated, and offers some hope for the future. Dr. Ghazvinian is the executive director of the Middle East Center at the University of Pennsylvania. He is also the author of Untapped, the Scramble for Africa’s Oil and most recently, America and Iran: A History from 1720 to the Present Discussed in this Episode: - John's background and and origins of his interest in this subject - Colonial America's fascination with Iran - Iran and Islam - Foreign influence in Iran  - The US was viewed.. as an anti-imperialist power! - The consistent Western interference to thwart democracy in Iran  - Mohammad Mossadegh and the tragic events of 1953  - The rise and fall of the Pahlavi dynasty - How the US helped to create the environment wherein the 1979 Islamic Revolution occurred - The barbarity of sanctions and suggestions for how to talk about alleged human rights abuses of the Iranian government - The future of Iran and the United States,  Dr. Ghazvinian's concerns and hopes for the relationship   Our Work: Read our "In the Context of Empire" blog with corresponding and expanded posts to this content! Matt's related article concerning the recent history of Iran and the United States  Social Media: Twitter- @JonTheContrary and  @Mattylongruns.