Before looking at case studies pertaining to this point, it is first important to understand how to measure the effectiveness of a covert operation. There are two criterion to examine: has the objective been achieved and whether secrecy was maintained. In discussing the former, Roy Godson points out a number of elements that compose an effective covert action capability. This includes its integration with official policy and bureaucratic structure of the state. The most important element however, is in regards to the “integration within the wider intelligence cycle,” as successful actions require “good intelligence, counterintelligence, and analysis.” Good intelligence is relevant on a number of levels. It can help policymakers and leaders
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The premise to this entire operation bears similar thinking to the Congo: better to have a malicious leader in charge than a communist. The year is 1954, and democratically elected Jacobo Árbenz Guzmán is in charge. In 1954, the CIA initiated OPERATION PBSUCCESS, a coup-d’état to overthrew Árbenz Guzmán, and replaced him with the military regime of Carlos Castillo Armas. Armas’ rule would be considered one of the most repressive regimes in Latin American history. The coup may have been operationally effective, but the subsequent problems led the country into a “long national descent into savagery.” From the 1960s onward, Guatemala would destabilize, contending with a civil war that ultimately required the CIA to re-involve themselves with the situation again. It was not until 1986 when a civilian government would take over again, and even then, it would be another ten years before peace could be achieved. From the beginning, president Guzmán’s indifference to communist made him a sympathizer to the communist regime. There was no gray area or neutral zone to the US, a country was either on the Soviet side or the American side. Considering the year is 1952, and McCarthyism is in full effect, this irrational fear would make sense from the perspective of an average American citizen, but the anti-communist mindset pervaded the minds of nearly every …show more content…
The 1953 coup-d’état in Iran had no real aim to support the people of Iran, with one British diplomat noting in his memoir that the coup “was of course immoral,” but necessary given the strategic climate. His statement runs true, as this operational activity led to a long period of repression by the Shah’s regime that was eventually ended with the 1979 Islamic Revolution. One cannot that it was because of covert operations that kept countries out of communist hold that the US won the Cold War. The Iranian hostage crisis, the recent issues with their nuclear program, and the state-sponsored terrorism have opened up a whole myriad of other issues we are dealing with today. None of these issues are considered a success. The Cold War strategy was a success, but the grand strategy was a failure. US intervention in numerous countries have led to remarkably damaged relations that have acted a basis for countless problems faced today, and Iran is a prime example of this
The premise to this entire operation bears similar thinking to the Congo: better to have a malicious leader in charge than a communist. The year is 1954, and democratically elected Jacobo Árbenz Guzmán is in charge. In 1954, the CIA initiated OPERATION PBSUCCESS, a coup-d’état to overthrew Árbenz Guzmán, and replaced him with the military regime of Carlos Castillo Armas. Armas’ rule would be considered one of the most repressive regimes in Latin American history. The coup may have been operationally effective, but the subsequent problems led the country into a “long national descent into savagery.” From the 1960s onward, Guatemala would destabilize, contending with a civil war that ultimately required the CIA to re-involve themselves with the situation again. It was not until 1986 when a civilian government would take over again, and even then, it would be another ten years before peace could be achieved. From the beginning, president Guzmán’s indifference to communist made him a sympathizer to the communist regime. There was no gray area or neutral zone to the US, a country was either on the Soviet side or the American side. Considering the year is 1952, and McCarthyism is in full effect, this irrational fear would make sense from the perspective of an average American citizen, but the anti-communist mindset pervaded the minds of nearly every …show more content…
The 1953 coup-d’état in Iran had no real aim to support the people of Iran, with one British diplomat noting in his memoir that the coup “was of course immoral,” but necessary given the strategic climate. His statement runs true, as this operational activity led to a long period of repression by the Shah’s regime that was eventually ended with the 1979 Islamic Revolution. One cannot that it was because of covert operations that kept countries out of communist hold that the US won the Cold War. The Iranian hostage crisis, the recent issues with their nuclear program, and the state-sponsored terrorism have opened up a whole myriad of other issues we are dealing with today. None of these issues are considered a success. The Cold War strategy was a success, but the grand strategy was a failure. US intervention in numerous countries have led to remarkably damaged relations that have acted a basis for countless problems faced today, and Iran is a prime example of this