Reagan Foreign Policy

Reagan Doctrine The U.S. will provide support to anti-communist resistance movements in Soviet-leaning, 3 rd World nations with the goals of: 1. Stopping the infiltration or spread of communism 2. Weakening the U.S.S.R (“the focus of evil in the world”) KEYS: a. Not a new idea (Truman, JFK, LBJ, Nixon, Carter, et al) b. Nature of “support” is important

Beirut October 23, 1983 – bomb exploded at Marine barracks 241 killed Horrific images of bodies pulled out of rubble Worst loss of a Marine force since WW 2

Beirut Bombing linked to Iranian (some Syrian) terrorists. Early Hezbollah US Marines stationed as peacekeepers due to Lebanese Civil War Shiite extremists saw them as pro-Christian and pro-Israel

Grenada

48 hours after Beirut 5,000 Marines sent to tiny Caribbean Island Turmoil by Marxist group led by Maurice Bishop 800 Cuban laborers building a landing strip which could accommodate Soviet planes

Grenada Desire to protect 500 Americans Many enrolled at St. George’s Medical School Had been told to remain in dorms for safety Curfew established due to political unrest “We got there just in time” - R. Reagan

Grenada Invasion condemned by United Kingdom, Canada, UN General Assembly as a “flagrant violation of international law” Grenada part of Commonwealth of Nations (former piece of British Empire) – Even Margaret Thatcher condemned! (Very close with Reagan)

El Salvador

Civil War from Military regime (backed by US) vs. a coalition of left-wing militias (backed by Cuba... USSR?) At least 75,000 civilians killed, many government “Death Squads” Congressional Report later indicates frequent atrocities by gov’t troops – many officers trained by USA. 1 million flee violence and come to USA

“Freedom Fighters” or Right Wing Slaughter?

Iran-Contra Scandal Part 1 BEGINS IN NICARAGUA Led by left-wing president, Daniel Ortega Ortega’s regime part of Socialist Movement known as “Sandanistas” US had supported Sandanistas in late 1970s to overthrow previous dictators Ortega was a democratically elected president Reagan concerned about Cuban ties

Iran-Contra Scandal US CIA trains “Contra” rebels to topple Ortega government Attacked collective farms, killed rivals, planned assassinations – UGLY STUFF World Court called US guilty of “State Sponsored Terrorism” (US ignored proceedings) Supporters claimed that efforts were keeping Communist regime from destroying legitimate rivals KEY: Needed money for these operations

Iran-Contra Scandal Part 2 In another part of the world... Iran controlled by radical Shiites (US enemy) Iran at war with Iraq and in need of weapons Iran holds 6 American hostages Moderates in Iran MAY assist in release of hostages IF US provides weapons Reagan clearly approved selling weapons to Iranian moderates (through Israel) to free hostages

Iran-Contra Scandal THE PLAN 1.Sell arms to Iranian moderates (with Israeli help) 2.Secure release of hostages 3.Use profits to support Contra Rebels THE PROBLEM 1.Iran is our enemy! (remember Hostage Crisis (1979? Beirut ???) 2.Boland Amendment (1982) – forbade assistance to Contras for purpose of overthrowing Nicaraguan Regime - Signed by R. Reagan

Iran-Contra Scandal Plan hatched by National Security Advisor: John Poindexter and his attache, Col. Oliver North using CIA When uncovered, Independent Commission called by Reagan to investigate Televised hearings 1986

Ollie takes the fall!

Iran-Contra Affair Tower Commission found no direct involvement by Reagan Reagan denied “arms for hostages” knowledge; admitted arms to Iran (for release of US hostages) 14 Reagan Administration Officials indicted; 11 convicted …including Secretary of Defense Poindexter convicted of multiple felonies Most offenders pardoned by BUSH 1 Still unclear what Reagan knew... NOT unclear what he SHOULD KNOW! Becomes the “Teflon President”

Soviet Union The center of evil in Reagan’s World No negotiations with USSR in first terms 2 nd Term: Mikhail Gorbachev arrives Tone changes

“Gorby” was a reformer! Glasnost – “openness” Perestroika – “decentralization” of Soviet economy Proposed massive cuts in Soviet arms Wanted to “deal” with USA “This is a man we can deal with.” - PM Margaret Thatcher

SDI (Strategic Defense Initiative) Space-centered laser technology Build an “umbrella” of protection to stop incoming missiles “Star Wars”... A fantasy that got the Soviet’s attention?

INF Intermediate Nuclear Force Treaty After some wrangling, Reagan and Gorby sign deal Soviets cut missiles in Europe (where they had huge advantage) USA agrees to halt deployment of Pershing missile systems

1989 SOVIET UNION FALLS Inevitable? Reagan’s Steady Pressure? (around the world)

Summary 1.CLEAR VISION 2.ENDS JUSTIFY THE MEANS