CIA

Question:... do you regret having supported the Islamic [integrisme], having given arms and advice to future terrorists?
Brzezinski: What is most important to the history of the world? The Taliban or the collapse of the Soviet empire? Some stirred-up Muslims or the liberation of Central Europe and the end of the Cold War?

It is firm and continuing policy that Allende be overthrown by a coup. It would be much preferable to have this transpire prior to 24 October but efforts in this regard will continue vigorously beyond this date. We are to continue to generate maximum pressure toward this end, utilizing every appropriate resource. It is imperative that these actions be implemented clandestinely and securely so that the USG [United States Government] and American hand be well hidden...,

Pilger: What right have you - and I mean, you, the CIA, the United States Government - or any foreign power - what right do you have to do what you do in other countries?
Clarridge: National Security interests
Pilger: but... the people that you do it to have no say in this
Clarridge: Well... that's just tough. We are going to protect ourselves, and we're going to go on protecting ourselves, cos we end up protecting all of you. And let's not forget that. We'll intervene whenever we decide it's in our national security interests to intervene. And if you don't like it - lump it. Get used to it world: we're not going to put up with nonsense.

According to the official version of history, CIA aid to the mujahiddin began during 1980, that is after the Soviet Union had invaded Afghanistan on December 24, 1979. But the truth, kept secret up to now, is quite different: it was in fact on July 3rd, 1979, that President Carter signed the first directive on clandestine aid to opponents of the pro-Soviet regime in Kabul. And on that very day I wrote a note to the president in which I explained to him that in my view aid was going to bring about a Soviet military intervention...

That secret operation was an excellent idea. Its effect was to draw the Russians into the Afghan trap... The day the Soviets officially crossed the border, I wrote to President Carter roughly the following: "We now have the opportunity to give the USSR its own Vietnam War".

Instead of sending in the Marines [to Iran], Washington dispatched CIA agent, Kermit Roosevelt (Theodore's grandson). He performed brilliantly, winning people over through payoffs and threats. He then enlisted them to organise a series of street riots and violent demonstrations, which created the impression that Mossadegh was both unpopular and inept. In the end, Mossadegh went down ... the pro-American Mohammad Reza Shah became the unchallenged dictator.