Iran-Contra Affair Key Concepts

The Iran-Contra scandal involved the U.S. government secretly selling arms to Iran, a state sponsor of terrorism, to secure the release of hostages and diverting the proceeds to fund the contras in Nicaragua, which was illegal. The scandal exposed the complexities of U.S. foreign policy and the constitutional issues of executive power. It led to significant political fallout, investigations, and a reevaluation of presidential authority and accountability.

What was the primary reason the U.S. government sold military-grade weapons to Iran in 1985-86?

• To support Iran in the Iran-Iraq War

• As a ransom for hostages held by terrorist groups

• To establish a new alliance with Iran

• To destabilize the Middle East

Which event marked the beginning of the Iran-Contra scandal?

• The sale of weapons to Iran

• The Iranian Revolution

• The Lebanese Civil War

• The Iran-Iraq War

What was the main ideological bias reflected in the Iran-Contra scandal?

• Anti-terrorism stance

• Support for communism

• Economic liberalism

• Political partisanship and tribalism

Who was the National Security Advisor that resigned in December 1985, leading to John Poindexter's appointment?

• Oliver North

• Robert McFarland

• Casper Weinberger

• George Schultz

What was the name of the covert operation run by Oliver North to support the Contras?

• Operation Desert Storm

• Operation Eagle Claw

• Project Phoenix

• Project Democracy

Who provided bridge financing to Gorbonifar for the arms deals?

• Ronald Reagan

• Adnan Khashoggi

• Ali Khamenei

• Moammar Gaddafi

What was the key point of the Tehran mission that went off the rails?

• The release of all hostages

• The delivery of spare parts

• The meeting with Ali Khamenei

• The arrival of a cake shaped like a key

What was the 'diversion memo' discovered by Justice Department investigators?

• A memo regarding the airstrikes on Libya

• A memo about the release of hostages

• A memo outlining the use of funds for the Contras

• A memo detailing the sale of weapons to Iran

What was the main issue at stake in the Iran-Contra Affair?

• The diversion of funds to the Contras

• The release of American hostages

• The legality of arms sales to Iran

• The constitutional legitimacy of U.S. foreign policy

What was the outcome for Oliver North after the Iran-Contra Affair?

• He was convicted and served time in prison

• He became President of the NRA

• He was pardoned by George Bush

• He was elected to the Senate