Roqe Ep.353 - Special Edition: Jimmy Carter and a Problematic Legacy With Iran

·49 min·4 clips

Why do many Iranians see Jimmy Carter as the person who tragically let Iran slip away to a dangerous theocracy?

The episode begins with host Jian Ghomeshi introducing a special edition focused on Jimmy Carter's death and his contentious legacy regarding Iran. Ghomeshi notes that while Carter is globally mourned as a virtuous figure, many Iranians view him critically for enabling the rise of the Islamic Republic. The host then transitions to a replay of a conversation from episode 196 with Carter biographer Kai Bird. Bird's book, 'The Outlier', explores Carter's paradoxes, particularly in Iran policy. The interview delves into Carter's initial support for the Shah, including a tone-deaf toast in 1977, despite CIA assurances of stability. Bird explains Carter's instincts were to criticize the Shah's human rights record, but he was influenced by advisors like Zbigniew Brzezinski. The discussion covers the 1979 hostage crisis, triggered by Carter allowing the exiled Shah into the U.S. for medical treatment after lobbying by Henry Kissinger and David Rockefeller. Bird describes internal conflicts between Brzezinski and Secretary of State Cyrus Vance, with Carter often siding with Vance. He analyzes Carter's refusal to use military force during the crisis, which politically damaged him. Bird also addresses the 'October surprise' theory, suggesting Reagan's campaign may have secretly negotiated with Iran to delay hostage release. Towards the end, Bird defends Carter's achievements, such as deregulation, car safety mandates, and the Camp David Accords, arguing he is unfairly seen as a weak president. The episode concludes with Ghomeshi thanking Bird and promoting an upcoming episode on change in Iran in 2025.

As heard by us

Carter's contested legacy comes through Iranian memory and a White House divided over revolution.

Jimmy Carter's death reopens a hard argument about Iran: how a president widely associated with integrity and Camp David remains a deeply contested figure for many Iranians.

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Why you'd press play

You want the Carter-Iran story with its moral contradictions left visible? Start here.

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