Reference no: EM132644944

Assignment: During the Reagan Administration, Congress learned of representatives of that administration sold arms to the Government of Iran in return for the release of U.S. hostages held in Lebanon. Robert McFarlane, the head of the National Security Council (NSC) spearheaded the sale of antiaircraft missiles to Iran believing the sale would secure the release of the hostages (Britannica, 2020).

Charles Nemeth wrote "intelligence activity largely reflects the agency mission and overall purpose of the task at hand (Nemeth, 2016). It appears to me that the sales of the weapons to Iran directly contradicted the U.S. government's policy that refused bargaining with terrorists or aid to Iran in its war with Iraq. Part of the fund that Iran paid for the arms was diverted by the NSC and given to the contras. Oliver North became the broker with the approval of John Poindexter. During that time, there was no guideline for approving or reporting covert actions.

In 1987, a special review board headed by Senator John Tower recommended to Congress the merger of two intelligence committees. This action resulted in a statutory Inspector General to be created at the CIA and the legal requirements for reporting covert actions to be tightened (Britannica, 2020). The Tower Commission still operates today under the NSC.

Thessalonians 3:4-5 (NIV) reads: we have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. (5) May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.

Reference: Editors. (2020). Iran-Contra Affair. Britannica.