Oliver North and Iran Contra

Oliver North and Iran Contra Kenny Wiley Pd8 3/25/10

The Iran Contra • Was a Political Scandal in the U.S. • It started in November 1985 • Reagan's administration agreed to sale arms to Iran in relation to release the hostages • The affair began to help U.S. relationship with the Iranian’s

Hostages • In the late 1970’s and early 1980’s the Middle East faced hostage taking • After the weapon sales were revealed in November 1986 Reagan admitted ton it • He said that the U.S. did not trade weapons for hostages

Weapons • The Reagan Bush campaign makes secret pact with Iran to delay release of the Embassy hostages until after the November election • For future sales of weapons • this theory is known as the October theory

Deals • 1981 Reagan takes oath at office • 1985 An Israeli official suggests a deal with Iran • The deal was the transfer of guns could lead to hostages getting released

First Shipment • The first planeload of American weapons to Israel and then to Tehran • Two weeks later the first American Hostage was released • Reagan secretly signs a authorization for the arms for hostages deal

Theft • 1989 Just before Reagan leaves office the White House computer was purged of data • Many tapes stared two disappear • U.S. District Judge dismisses theft and wire fraud charges against Poindexter

The Conviction • 1990 Greene orders Reagan to give a videotape testimony • On the videotape he says that his aides were arming the Contras • Poindexter was convicted to all five charges

Court • 1991 Former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger is indicted on five felony’s • Aug. 26 Judge Royce Lamberth declares a mistrial in the case of CIA officer Clair George • He was accused of concealing from the congress of his knowledge of the Iran Contra Affair

George was convicted in 1986 • He is the highest CIA spook to be convicted • A number of criminal convictions resulted, McFarlane, North, George , and Poindexter

Questions • The Iran-contra affair raised serious questions • The nature and scope of congressional • The oversight of foreign affairs and limits of the Executive branch

Oliver North and Iran Contra