The Best Bad Idea: The True Story of Argo

Mark Lijek is a retired Foreign Service officer who grew up in Seattle and went to Seattle Preparatory School before attending the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. He also holds an MBA from American University. He is the author of The Houseguests: A Memoir of Canadian Courage and CIA Sorcery, as well as a minor consultant to the Hollywood hit film Argo. He wrote his memoir in large part because, after reading an early script of Argo, he realized the movie was unlikely to give adequate credit to the Canadian embassy team he believes saved him and his wife Cora from becoming hostages. Following his abbreviated tour in Tehran, Lijek served in Hong Kong, Kathmandu, Warsaw and Frankfurt as well as in several Departmental assignments prior to his retirement. He and Cora now live in Anacortes.

[@Laura-Lee]

Nothing beats the unedited talk of someone who was really there. Mark Lijek tells what parts of "ARGO" really happened AND gives a much deeper (but easy to comprehend) understanding of the political setting in Iran that caused the takeover of the American Embassy. Very interesting. Thanks to Mark & Cora for telling their story and helping me be proud to be a Canadian & even some pride in our politicians & Prime Minister Joe Clark (which I didn't have).

[@squamish4244]

I think this guy's biased against Carter, but that's understandable considering his background. However, American policy in Iran long predated Carter and a lot of American presidents would have had a hell of a time handling the Iranian Revolution.

[@LVLouisCyphre]

Carter was one of the worst presidents in my lifetime. I still remember my late father ranting about having to fuel up the car on even number days. Of course Biden (Biggest Idiot Democrats Ever Nominated) probably has superseded Carter. Biden could be dubbed the Baddest Idea Democrats Ever Nominated. Wait for the economic backlash of C-19. We're just seeing the tip of the iceberg of this Titanic of a POTUS.

[@johnofmalta]

Yes you disagree with the Ayatollah’s views on women but it’s their country. The US and UK overthrew their Prime Minister because he dared to nationalize companies. Dared to take money away from US and UK. You can’t stick your finger in people’s chest and expect them to forget. JoM

[@squamish4244]

For the generations born after the revolution, nobody understands or cares what the big deal was about. Khomeini is long dead. The status of women in Iran today has risen significantly.