In the 50’s, Iranian prime minister Mohammad Mossadegh presaged a different future for the country. But he made a crucial mistake: he nationalized oil and attempted to lift his people out of poverty through social programs. This led to a CIA- and MI6-led coup and years of tumult for the country that has long been an American boogeyman. Julian Feeld and John Gabrus explore.

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Research and writing by Séamus Malekafzali. Editing by Ty Wood. Theme song by  ...