The Long War - Iran - Israel - USA (1/2) | ARTE.tv Documentary (Reupload)

Summary

The transcript recounts the complex history of a covert war spanning over 40 years, involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. It details the ideological and strategic tensions leading to the Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979, the subsequent shift in Middle Eastern alliances, and the emergence of Hezbollah as a formidable force against Israel and Western influence. The narrative underscores the impact of these events on regional dynamics, highlighting key moments such as the hostage crisis at the U.S. embassy in Tehran and the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, culminating in the rise of a new Middle Eastern order.

Takeaways

• 🌪️ The script outlines an ongoing, undeclared war between Iran, the United States, and Israel that has persisted for over 40 years, deeply rooted in both ideological and strategic differences.
• 📜 The conflict's history is traced back to significant events such as the return of Ayatollah Khomeini to Iran on February 1, 1979, which marked the beginning of a new era in the Middle East.
• 👑 The Iranian Revolution, fueled by opposition to the Western-backed monarchy under the Shah, sought to establish a new order based on Islamic principles, leading to a profound shift in the region's power dynamics.
• 🤝 The previously close relationships between Iran and both Israel and the United States were upended following the revolution, with both countries finding themselves in opposition to the new Islamic Republic.
• 🚨 The script describes the rise of Hezbollah as a response to the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982, with Iran playing a pivotal role in its formation and support.
• 💥 The attack on the U.S. Marine barracks and French paratrooper headquarters in Beirut on October 23, 1983, which killed 241 American and 58 French soldiers, is highlighted as a turning point in the conflict.
• 🕊️ The script emphasizes the martyrdom culture within the resistance movements, drawing parallels to historical religious significance and its impact on contemporary political and military actions.
• 🇮🇱 The Israeli invasion of Lebanon and subsequent occupation led to the creation of a power vacuum and the rise of new resistance groups, including Hezbollah, which would go on to challenge Israeli dominance in the region.
• 🔄 The withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon in 1985, while maintaining a security zone in the south, marked a significant defeat for Israel and a victory for Hezbollah, showcasing the group's growing influence.
• 🔮 The legacy of Ayatollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, is portrayed as a lasting one, with his vision of resistance against Western influence continuing to shape the region's political landscape.
• 🌐 The script suggests that the alliances and conflicts detailed have contributed to the formation of a new Middle East axis, with Iran, Syria, and Hezbollah playing key roles in shaping regional politics and resistance against Israel and the United States.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the war described in the transcript?

The main theme of the war described in the transcript is the ongoing, undeclared conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel that began over 40 years ago, which is both ideological and strategic in nature.

When did this undeclared war start?

The undeclared war started on February 1, 1979.

Who returned to Iran on February 1, 1979, and what was the significance of this event?

Ayatollah Khomeini returned to Iran on February 1, 1979. His return marked the beginning of a final battle with his people in the name of the Islamic Revolution, which would soon cause the entire Middle East to enter a new era.

What were the main grievances of the Iranian protesters in 1978?

The main grievances of the Iranian protesters were against the monarchy of Shah, which they viewed as a military dictatorship that was corrupt, unjust, and did not provide equal opportunities for the members of society. They opposed the forced modernity imposed by the Shah, which they associated with Western imperialism.

How did the relationship between Iran and Israel evolve over time as described in the transcript?

Initially, Israel and Iran had excellent relations, with Israel being a close partner to Iran after the United States in terms of economic interests. However, this relationship changed dramatically following the Islamic Revolution in Iran, with the new regime adopting a staunchly anti-Israel stance and supporting Palestinian causes.

What was the role of the United States in Iran prior to the revolution?

The United States was a close partner of Iran, supporting the regime of the Shah. The U.S. had significant economic interests in Iran and was blind to the growing discontent among the Iranian population, maintaining contacts primarily with the higher class and military personnel who were interested in preserving the status quo.

What was the immediate cause of the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982?

The immediate cause of the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982 was to stop the operations of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and its leader Yasser Arafat, who were based in Lebanon and launching attacks against Israel.

What was the impact of the Israeli invasion on the political landscape of Lebanon?

The Israeli invasion had a profound impact on the political landscape of Lebanon. It led to the displacement of Palestinian forces and the rise of new resistance movements, most notably Hezbollah. The invasion also set the stage for a protracted conflict in Lebanon, with various factions gaining and losing power over time.

What is Hezbollah's role in the context of the Middle East as described in the transcript?

Hezbollah emerged as a significant political and military force in Lebanon, backed by Iran and Syria. It played a crucial role in resisting Israeli influence and occupation in Lebanon, and became a key component of the broader Middle East conflict, forming part of what would later be known as the Iran-Syria-Hezbollah axis.

What was the significance of the attack on the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut in 1983?

The attack on the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut in 1983, which resulted in the deaths of 241 American soldiers, marked a turning point in the U.S. involvement in Lebanon. It demonstrated the reach and capabilities of the resistance movements, and contributed to the eventual withdrawal of U.S. and French forces from Lebanon.

What was the outcome of the Islamic Revolution in Iran for the country's international relations?

The Islamic Revolution in Iran led to a significant shift in the country's international relations. It resulted in a break with the United States and a reorientation of Iran's foreign policy towards anti-Western and anti-Israeli positions, supporting various resistance movements in the region and establishing a new axis of power in the Middle East.