Distribution of Power and the UN Security Council

Charts from Wednesday's Class. Click to enlarge. Data are from the Correlates of War Project's Composite Index of National Capabilities data set (version 3.02).

Argo

You may already be aware of the recently released film, Argo, that takes place during the Islamic Revolution and the Iran Hostage Crisis. It debuted to widespread critical acclaim and is playing locally.

In Argo, Ben Affleck plays a CIA operative who launches an undercover operation to extract American consular officials who evaded the student demonstrators that occupied the US Embassy in Tehran.

The story is largely true, although the usual caveats of poetic license apply. Considering our recent class discussion of the Islamic Revolution, as well as the recent attack on the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya, the episode is pertinent to both course matter and current events.

Whether or not you intend to see the picture, you might be interested in this article from Wired Magazine that provides a well-written account of the CIA role the operation.

The primary flaw in the article seems to be the same as in the movie: it minimizes the role of Canadian officials who were so instrumental in the safe return of the Americans. That is intentional, however. Whereas journalists blew the cover off the Canadian operation almost immediately--somewhat obviating the novelty of the caper--the CIA documents remained classified for years.

This is the story about which we didn't already know.

If you've seen the movie or would otherwise like to discuss the caper, feel free to share in the comments.