Nukes in Iran ... does Mossadegh haunt us still?

As the world agonizes over the possibility of Iran developing nuclear weaponry, it may be instructive to remind ourselves of the folly that set that nation on its current trajectory.

In August, 1953, the United Kingdom and the United States conspired with the Iranian military to overthrow the democratically elected government of Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh and install the Shah as absolute ruler of Iran. Mossadegh's cardinal sin was nationalizing Iran's oil industry, specifically seizing control of the British-owned and operated Anglo-Iranian Oil Company. We all know how the Americans and the British take umbrage to threats against their oil security.

The Shah brought in progressive reforms but he also became increasingly repressive in instituting them, offending both the clergy and democrats. In 1979, he went the way of Mossadegh when he was overthrown by a popular revolt and replaced by a theocracy. Unfortunately, many Iranians have never forgiven the West, particularly the United States, for their mischief. Hostility lingers on toward the "Great Satan."

The ayatollahs undid the Shah's progressive reforms and reduced Iran to something less than medieval. They have been leaders in religious invective against the West. Today they threaten to develop nuclear weapons and the United States struggles to even hold a civil conversation with this member of the "axis of evil," never mind dissuade it.

In March, 2000, U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright stated her regret about Mossadegh's ousting: "The Eisenhower administration believed its actions were justified for strategic reasons. But the coup was clearly a setback for Iran's political development and it is easy to see now why many Iranians continue to resent this intervention by America."

We cannot help but reflect on Ms. Albright's comment regarding Iran's political development. What could have been if Iran had been allowed to continue its democratic course? Would it have been the beacon the Bush administration claims it wants to establish in the Middle East? We'll never know. But a particularly nasty chicken has come home to roost and we all have to deal with it.