Thread by @TimInHonolulu

1. When the reign of the Shah of Iran started to fall, he fled to NYC for medical care and exile. I was a line manager at the hotel where he stayed in NYC. I remember standing outside watching the demonstrators. All students. Not dressed or appearing with any discernible

2. difference from any random students in the northeast. The Iranian students demanded we turn him over. We refused. And the fire that became Iranian radicalization was lit. They were reported to be angry he was getting treatment. But underneath was the hidden truth of

3. US Iranian relations. SAVAK.

At the time I was almost certain if we took the blame for the Shah we could have cut the radicalization off. But we wouldn't even admit it. Still don't. I wonder how many other kids who were in their teens in the 1960's even knew who SAVAK was?

4. So we chose not to betray an old ally because both our hands were covered in Iranian blood. Mossad too.

And here we are very close to going to war against Iran. @USEmbassySyria @USEmbBaghdad @USEmbassyTurkey @CENTCOM

5. And just so you know. They have nukes. How many? Enough.