639. Revolution in Iran: Death in the Desert (Part 4)
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
Hello, everyone. And we have some unbelievably exciting news for you all.
Tom, if anything, you are underselling it because this is truly spectacular. On the 4th and 5th of July this year, we are going to be hosting the inaugural Rest is History Festival. Out of all places, Hampton Court Palace. And crucially, this is just for the people who mean most to us. That is the members of the Restless History Club.
Tom, am I right? You are so right, Dominic. So if you want to access tickets for the festival, then you will need to become a member of the Restless History Club, which is so easy to do. All you have to do is go to therestlesshistory.com and it's a matter of seconds.
OK, so remember, by becoming a member of the Restless History Club, you will be able to enter that much prized ballot. for tickets to this thrilling festival but of course on top of that you'll get all our episodes ad free you will get early access to our epic series you will get weekly bonus episodes you will get access to our exciting new exclusive mini series most of all you'll get an entree to our much loved chat community and many more such exciting benefits
So if you want guaranteed access to two tickets, you can join the very top tier of the club and become an Athelstan. You will also get the exclusive opportunity to upgrade to a VIP ticket, which includes a range of special perks, including, and this is so exciting, unlimited food,
and unlimited drink so go to the rest is history.com and sign up immediately it is going to be the most extraordinary weekend there'll be talks there will be thrilling special guests there will be historically themed music there'll be all kinds of treats there'll be all kinds of action there might even be some battles but above all it'll be a time for friendship to get to know your fellow members and to get to know Tom and me in a very, very special place, Hampton Court Palace.
And I know that I speak for Dominic as well as for myself when I say we cannot wait to see you there.
President Carlo looked at me
I'd like to see you Colonel Beckwith before you leave.
It was quiet in the room. He walked over and stood in front of me.
I want to ask you to do two things for me.
Sir, all you got to do is name them.
I want you, before you leave for Iran, to assemble all of your force, and when you think it's appropriate, give them a message from me. Tell them that in the event this operation fails, for whatever reason, the fault will not be theirs. It will be mine.
Sir, I give you my word I will do that.
The second thing is, if any American is killed, hostage, or dealt a force, and if it is possible, as long as it doesn't jeopardize the life of someone else, you bring that body back.
Sir, if you've gone over my record, you know I'm that kind of man.
So that was Colonel Charlie Beckwith, a mighty warrior, founder of the US Special Forces Unit Delta Force. And he was recalling a meeting that he had with President Jimmy Carter on the 16th of April, 1980. They met in the White House Situation Room to finalize the plans for one of the most daring military operations in American history. And this was a plan to rescue the 52 Americans who were being kept hostage in the center of Tehran and to get them out of Iran or Iran to safety. And Dominic, I think both men come out of that meeting very well.
They do. So Skeletor and Boss Hogg from the Dukes of Hazzard in that reading.
uh it's um i mean you get the the sense you know the incredible courage required to undertake what is going to be a mad operation yes but also carter's concern yeah you know i mean he's obviously causing him immense kind of moral anguish isn't it the whole prospect of it it is but he's doing the right thing and he really impressed colonel beckwith and he said you know if it goes wrong it's on me and then he makes this last request you bring that body back and i've got
A terrible spoiler. They don't. That's the one thing they don't do is bring the bodies back.
But I just wanted to say that because this is an episode that famously kind of dooms Carter's presidency.
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Chapters
6 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:02–11:36
2
How did America initially respond to the Iranian hostage crisis?
11:36–16:07
3
What was the role of Colonel Charlie Beckwith in the rescue mission?
16:07–26:08
4
What were the challenges faced during the Delta Force operation?
26:08–46:21
5
What led to the decision to abort the rescue mission?
46:21–1:06:46
6
How did the aftermath of the failed mission affect Jimmy Carter's presidency?
1:06:46–1:09:25
Speakers
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