The Short but Impactful Life of Kermit Roosevelt Jr.
A Key Player in the CIA-Led Overthrow of Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad
The "Self-Serving Account" of a Harvard Conspirator
Kermit Roosevelt Jr., grandson of former President Theodore Roosevelt, led a brief but controversial life. He is best known for his role as director of the 1953 coup that overthrew Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh. The coup was orchestrated by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as part of Operation Ajax.
Roosevelt's involvement in the coup has been widely criticized, with some accusing him of being a key figure in a CIA-led conspiracy to overthrow a democratically elected government. His actions have been cited as a precedent for future covert operations by the CIA.
In his memoir, "The Struggle for the Control of Iran 1979," Roosevelt provides his own account of the events leading up to and during the coup. The book has been described as "self-serving" and has been criticized for its omissions and inaccuracies.
Despite the controversy surrounding his involvement in the 1953 coup, Roosevelt remains a fascinating and complex figure. His life is a testament to the power of ambition and the consequences of covert operations.
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