#ohwait...

November 4, 1979. The Hostage Crisis begins. 

The popular (and breathtaking) film Argo has familiarized most with this topic, but a refresher for those who have not seen the film/do not fully understand.

After the young Islamic revolutionaries stormed the US Embassy in Tehran, the Carter administration was faced with one of the most publicized disasters in American history. 

Later, Carter could say that he called it. While the cabinet was all for letting the dying Shah into America, the president said, "And if [the Iranians] take our employees in our embassy hostage, then what would be your advice?"

That is a good question, Jim. Let's come back to that later.

The Carter administration sprung into action, embargoing Iranian oil. The Ayatollah responded by letting black people, females and non-US citizens go (except not all: 2 women and 1 African American remained).

The pressure mounted on Carter. Poor guy was boxed in: if he did something drastic, the Iranians might kill the hostages. If he didn't, the American public might kill him (at least politically).

Desert One failed, injuring American servicemen in the bargain.