Category Archives: USSR Events

Yuri and Samantha

Posted on January 10, 2013 by theory

Yuri and Samantha 1982 – 1985 In one of the many bizarre, human moments of the Cold War, Samantha Smith, a ten-year-old American school girl, wrote the newly appointed General Secretary of the Soviet Communist Party, Yuri Andropov a letter. … Continue reading →

Posted in Late War, USSR Events | Tagged | 3 Comments

Pershing II Deployed

Posted on January 4, 2013 by theory

Pershing II Deployed 1984 – 1985 The Pershing II missile was designed as a direct counter to the Soviet Intermediate Range Missile, the SS-20. The deployment of 108 of these missiles in West Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom proved … Continue reading →

Posted in Late War, USSR Events | Tagged | 1 Comment

Aldrich Ames Remix

Posted on January 3, 2013 by theory

Aldrich Ames Remix 1985 – 1994 The first known successful penetration of the CIA by the KGB, Aldrich Ames compromised hundreds of CIA operations and provided information that resulted in the execution of 10 US sources. The CIA spent years … Continue reading →

Posted in Late War, USSR Events | Tagged | 24 Comments

Latin American Debt Crisis

Posted on December 19, 2012 by theory

Latin American Debt Crisis 1982 – 1989 A ripple effect from the rise of Middle Eastern oil, Latin American governments experienced phenomenal growth from the 1950’s into the 1970’s. However, this came to an abrupt halt. Unfortunately, even with impressive … Continue reading →

Posted in Late War, USSR Events | Tagged | 2 Comments

Iran-Contra Scandal

Posted on December 17, 2012 by theory

Iran-Contra Scandal 1985 In an effort to secure the release of US hostages in Lebanon, the Reagan administration undertook secret negotiations with Iran involving “arms for hostages.” This was in violation of the stated US policy of never negotiating with … Continue reading →

Posted in Late War, USSR Events | Tagged | 11 Comments

Ortega Elected in Nicaragua

Posted on December 13, 2012 by theory

Ortega Elected in Nicaragua 1985 – 1990 A political dissident since age 16, Daniel Ortega Saavedra spent time in a Managua prison. Upon his release, he fled to Cuba and established relationships which would be vital for the Sandinista movement. … Continue reading →

Posted in Late War, USSR Events | Tagged | 2 Comments

Glasnost

Posted on December 12, 2012 by theory

Glasnost 1985 – 1989 The Russian word for openness, Glasnost was introduced as a public policy by Mikhail Gorbachev. While his long term aim may have been to improve the freedoms of the Russian people, his more immediate goal was … Continue reading →

Posted in Late War, USSR Events | Tagged | 8 Comments

Marine Barracks Bombing

Posted on December 10, 2012 by theory

Marine Barracks Bombing 1983 After the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, the United States and France dispatched troops to form a peace keeping force between the opposing sides. Terrorist attacks on the troop barracks of both nations resulted in terrible losses. … Continue reading →

Posted in Late War, USSR Events | Tagged | Leave a comment

The Reformer

Posted on December 7, 2012 by theory

The Reformer 1985 — 1991 Successor to the short-lived premiership of Konstantin Chernenko, Mikhail Gorbachev was the only Soviet leader to be born after the Russian Revolution of 1917. His experience within the Politburo gave him broad exposure to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Late War, USSR Events | Tagged | 3 Comments

Iranian Hostage Crisis

Posted on November 30, 2012 by theory

Iranian Hostage Crisis 1979 – 1981 A violent reaction to traditional US support for the repressive regime of the Shah of Iran, Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, 65 Americans were held for 444 days after Islamic revolutionaries stormed the US embassy. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Late War, USSR Events | Tagged | 1 Comment