Key Players
Who was the President During Iran Contra?
Ronald Reagan
Why did the US sell arms to Iran?
The get Hezbollah to release hostages in Lebanon.
Why did the US want to aid the Contras?
To stop the spread of communism in Latin America.
What laws were violated by the arms sales to Iran and the secret funding of the Contras?
The Boland Amendment, and the arms embrago against Iran.
Who uncovered the scandal and made it public?
A journalist in Lebanon.
What type of weapons did the US sell to Iran?
Anti-tank missiles and other military equipment.
What was the Boland Amendment?
A series of laws passed to stop the US from sending aid to the the Contras
What was Oliver North's defense when he was put on trial?
He argued he was following orders and acting in the country’s interest.
Who helped facilitate the sale of arms to Iran?
Oliver North
Why was selling arms to Iran illegal?
There was an arms embargo against Iran and they had labeled as a state sponsor of terrorism.
How were the funds used to aid the Contras?
They were used to buy weapons and supplies.
What were the consequences for Oliver North?
He was convicted on multiple charges, but his convictions were later overturned due to immunity issues.
What role did Admiral Poindexter Play?
He approved sending the funds to the contras.
Did the arms sales achieve its goal (were all the hostages released)?
Not really a couple of the hostages were released , but others were taken.
Who managed the funds and logistics for the Contras?
Oliver North
Was president Reagan ever directly implicated in the Iran Contra affair?
No he was not. He denied knowing anything about the funding, but his reputation took a big hit after that.
What was the name of the socialist group that took over Nicaragua?
The Sandinistas
Which country helped facilitate the movement of weapons to Iran for the US?
Israel
What other way did the Contras raise money for their revolution?
Smuggling cocaine into the United States and sending the money back to Latin America.
Why did Israel sell arms to Iran during the Iran Irag War?
They viewed Iaq as a threat to the peace process in the middle east.