The Farm Podcast Mach II Silver or Lead: Iran, Latin America & China w/ Dave Emory & Recluse
Apr 13, 2026
Dave Emory, longtime anti-fascist researcher and curator of SpitfireList.com, brings deep historical perspective. He traces CIA ties to 1979 Iran, the hostage crisis' political fallout, and US strategies from Bush to Obama. Conversations cover Iran’s role in anti‑China moves, Trump’s ‘silver or lead’ approach, Operation Condor’s legacy in Latin America, and global economic risks from regional conflicts.
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How Western Covert Action Helped Install Iran's Theocracy
- The 1979 Iranian revolution was shaped by covert Western interests who saw Islamic fundamentalists as an anti-communist bulwark on the Soviet border.
- Dave Emory documents CIA/MI6 ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and agents financing Khomeini's Paris exile, linking the hostage crisis to Carter's 1980 defeat.
Obama's Deal Then Trump's Reversal Reshaped Iran Policy
- US policy toward Iran shifted from demonization under George W. Bush to negotiated limits under Obama with the JCPOA, then abrupt reversal under Trump.
- Emory notes Obama sought détente to restrain enrichment, while Trump tore up the agreement, reigniting confrontation.
Pivot To Asia Shapes Democratic Strategy On Iran
- Many Democrats sought a pivot to Asia to confront China and preferred detente with Iran to free resources, while Republicans under Trump prioritized Middle East pressure.
- Recluse and Emory link the pivot to Asia (Kurt Campbell) with intra-party disagreements about Ukraine and Iran.
