Canada as seen through the Eyes of New Brunswick Editorial Cartoonists:
The Insight and Humour of Josh Beutel and Bill Hogan
Preface |
Introduction |
Editorial Cartoon Database |
Classroom Activities
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Josh Beutel, Telegraph Journal, 1981-1-17
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Reference number: MC2806-507
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Scope and Content
The cartoon suggests that rather than a military posturing, Ronald Reagan reaching for his guns, it was American financial considerations to Iran, Ayatollah Khomeini, that led to the freeing of the hostages.
Title
Hostage Released
Issues
Iran Hostage Crisis (1979-1981)
The Iran hostage crisis was a period from November 4, 1979 to January 20, 1981 beginning with the seizure of the US embassy in Tehran, Iran during which 66 diplomats and citizens of the United States were held hostage by Iranian students. Some of the hostages were released earlier, but 52 remained the full 444 days. The hostage-taking was instigated by the new anti-American ruler of Iran, Ayatollah Khomeini, when he called for more attacks on American and Israeli interests. The Iranian government initially issued a set of demands in return for freeing the hostages, but the invasion of Iran by Iraq in July of 1980 made them more receptive to negotiation. The 444-day crisis was seen as a contributing factor to Jimmy Carter’s defeat in the 1981 election. Although Carter had managed to negotiate the release of the hostages, an agreement was not signed until January 19, 1981, after the election of Ronald Reagan.
Persons
Ayatollah Khomeini
- Full title Ayatollah Seyyed Ruhollah Khomeini, born May 17, [1900?]
- Died June 3, 1989
- Shi'a Muslim cleric and marja
- Political and spiritual leader of the 1979 Iranian Revolution
- Held office of Supreme Leader from the Revolution until his death
- Lead Iran through Iran hostage crisis, 1979 and Iran-Iraq War, 1980 to 1988
- Enforced strict Islamic law and dress code for both men and women
- Issued a fatwa calling for the killing of Salman Rushdie for writing the novel, "The Satanic Verses" (seen as blasphemy against the Prophet Muhammad), 1989
Ronald Reagan
- Born Ronald Wilson Reagan, February 6, 1911
- Died June 5, 2004
- Republican
- Governor of California, 1967 to 1975
- President of the United States, 1981 to 1989
- Dubbed "the Great Communicator" for his well-delivered speeches
- Economic policy called "Reaganomics", included increased spending on the military and buildup of arms
- Presidency known for confrontation with Soviet Union
- Iran-Contra Affair and other scandals failed to impact his popularity, therefore dubbed the "Teflon President"
- Target of an assassination attempt, March 30, 1981
- Died at the age of 93 after suffering from Alzheimer's disease