Democracy on Trial

The trial was closely watched abroad. Newspapers in Europe and the Middle East highlighted the irony of a leader being punished for pursuing national independence. While Western governments remained silent—given their role in the coup—intellectuals, journalists, and anti-colonial activists worldwide denounced the proceedings as a political show trial.

In neighboring countries, especially Egypt under Gamal Abdel Nasser, Mossadegh’s downfall served as both a warning and an inspiration: proof of Western interference, but also an example of how nationalist leaders could stand up to colonial powers, even at great personal cost.

August 17, 2025 | 3:07 am