POV Season 7 Episode 9 The Times of a Sign: A Folk History of the Iran-Contra Scandal

The Times of a Sign: A Folk History of the Iran-Contra Scandal is an episode of the acclaimed documentary series POV, which delves deep into the historical events of the Iran-Contra Scandal that rocked the Reagan Administration in the 1980s. The episode explores the controversial arms-for-hostages deal that saw the United States covertly sell arms to Iran, in defiance of a U.S. arms embargo, in exchange for the release of American hostages held in Lebanon. This deal was later exposed as part of a greater scheme to illegally fund the Contras, a group of Nicaraguan guerrillas who were fighting against the leftist Sandinista government. The episode presents a vivid picture of the scandal, with archival footage, interviews with key figures, and narration by the filmmaker, Amir Bar-Lev.

The episode begins by examining the origins of the Iran-Contra Scandal, which dates back to the Reagan Administration's zeal to support the Contras in their fight against the Sandinistas. Despite a congressional prohibition on funding the Contras, the administration went ahead with its plan to covertly support them through the sale of weapons to Iran. The episode highlights the key figures involved in the plan, including Oliver North, a US Marine officer who played a major role in the covert operation. It also examines the role of President Reagan himself, who was perceived by some as ignorant of the scheme, while others saw him as complicit in it.

In exploring the scandal, the episode also delves into the complicated geography and politics of the Middle East, particularly the dynamics between Iran and the United States in the late 1980s. It highlights how the arms-for-hostages deal was actually part of a larger effort to establish relations with Iran, despite the political hostility that existed at the time between the two countries. The episode posits that the relationship between the United States and Iran during the Reagan Administration was a reflection of the deeper ideological schism that divided the world into two camps - those who saw the US as the defender of freedom and democracy, and those who saw it as a self-serving imperial power.

Apart from presenting a detailed analysis of the Iran-Contra Scandal, The Times of a Sign: A Folk History of the Iran-Contra Scandal also examines the cultural and folkloric aspects associated with the affair. The title of the episode, 'The Times of a Sign', is a reference to the ancient Persian tradition of using the movements of the stars and planets to divine the future. The episode explores how this tradition became a key part of Iranian folklore, and how it was used by some Iranians to explain why the United States seemed to be acting so erratically during the Iran-Contra affair.

Overall, The Times of a Sign: A Folk History of the Iran-Contra Scandal is a fascinating exploration of one of the most significant political scandals of the 20th century. It offers a nuanced and thought-provoking examination of the complex web of factors that led to the controversy, as well as the broader geopolitical and cultural issues at play. With its wealth of archival footage, expert interviews, and engaging narrative style, this episode of POV is a must-watch for anyone interested in politics, history, and international affairs.