By the time I discovered that I was cut out to be a spy, the Cold War was almost over, and I had multiple responsibilities as the wife of an aero bracero and the mother of three teen-aged sons.
Since I was living in the suburbs, my options were limited. But our home was within walking distance of an excellent public university, so I elected to do what I considered the next best thing. I went back to school — the State University of New York at Stony Brook — and picked up an MS in Policy Analysis and Public Management.
A strange choice you might think, for a housewife on the north shore of Long Island, but I had lived in cities for most of my life, and I was a city person at heart.
When my youngest son graduated from high school, I solved the city-suburb problem by taking a job in New York City government that had a residency requirement. My husband was not in a position to argue since I had followed him around the world. First to Guam where we lived in Navy housing for several years, and later to Isfahan, Iran, where he worked on the F-14 Tomcat, a state-of-the-art fighter aircraft purchased for the Iranian Air Force by the Shah of Iran. I had a good job too, though, leading trips and tours all over the country for the American and European expatriate communities. Our family lived through the Iranian Revolution, leaving the country on the last regularly scheduled airliner out.
My life in Manhattan has been almost as exciting, especially after I left my job at the Environmental Control Board and picked up a Ph.D. in Political Science from New York University. My academic life has allowed me to spend a lot of time doing primary research in Cuba, especially in agricultural areas in the countryside and in the very poorest neighborhoods of Old Havana. In turn, my experiences there have spurred a passion for Cuban art and a growing facility as a photograper and video producer.
It’s been a strange journey for a little girl from Mt. Healthy, Ohio. As you might have guessed, my travels to Cuba have satisfied my need for adventure almost as much as Iran did. Not quite, though. Intellectually, I’m fascinated by Cuba’s revolution and its legacy. But in Iran I actually lived one. That revolution was more complex, less understood.
The Iranian Revolution reminds me of danger, of my first Cold War experiences as an elementary school student in southern Ohio. There, I tagged along with my babysitter Rosie to watch for enemy aircraft as part of the Civil Air Patrol, and I participated in classroom drills triggered by blaring air raid sirens. If you haven’t taken part in one of these, I know you’ve heard about them, about how we were taught to cower under our desks until the ‘all clear’ sounded. Later I moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where we actually piled into cars and headed for Stone Mountain.
Now, for most of us, the Cold War is more academic. But the legacy of those years is still with us as we confront the problems of today’s world: the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq; the continuing American embargo and travel restrictions in place regarding Cuba; the nuclear stalemate with Iran; the drain of military expenditures on strained economies; the sway of the defense establishment on public policy decision-making. The Red Scare and fear of ‘commies’ has been replaced by the ‘Green Menace’ of Islam and our fear of Muslim communities — in the United States and abroad.
Cold War Studies is meant to be a space where we can discuss the issues relating to the Cold War and its residuals in a civil and respectful manner. Cold War politics, culture, economics, and style all have a place here. You now know all about me. I look forward to meeting you, and hearing your thoughts and perspectives.
new book about cold war times:
Fedorov, Alexander (2011). Russian Image on the Western Screen: Trends, Stereotypes, Myths, Illusions. Saarbrucken (Germany): Lambert Academic Publishing, 2011, 228 p.
http://www.amazon.com/Russian-Western-Screen-Alexander-Fedorov/dp/3843393303/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294911647&sr=1-1
• Paperback: 228 pages
• Publisher: LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing (January 12, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3843393303
• ISBN-13: 978-3843393300
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
Professor Fedorov —
I’m happy to post the information about your new book.
All the best —
Lisa
Dear Lisa,
I am writing a book about my father who became an intelligence officer and returned to Europe in the days just after Roosevelt died. I translated roughly 700 pages of letters which he wrote home to my grandparents (French to English) between 1943-1946. My website will explain it in more detail.
Anyway, I came upon your site and was wondering if you could help me to understand how the policies which took affect in the early post war days affect the Arab world as we watch the latest events unfold?
oil prices are soaring with the increasing conflict of the six Arab nations on the verge of individual civil wars. Turning the tide on the poweful current of oppression in the Arab world are the majority of poor, uneducated an unemployed who are for the most part peacefully butting heads with the ruling body who live like the Pharaohs. The millions of protestors, men and women standing side by side are spreading their contagious optimism and have shaken their leaders out of their palaces and into exile.
A positive outcome is paramount to the safety and security of the Western and the Third World where the dictators rush to create weapons of mass destruction and threaten to hold the world hostage between their bombs and oil. The danger is of course the conflict that undoubtedly will arise between the secularists and the Islamic fundamentalists. The quest for democracy in the Arab world pits people and their beliefs against each other while their leaders vie to safeguard their power, their land and their rich natural resources on a planet whose resources are shrinking rapidly. They have the oil, they have enslaved their people in poverty to accumulate wealth and power. It seems like the same old story, oppress and repress at any cost.
I just need to wrap my arms around how the past decisions which the Allies made during the post war period are still affecting us today.
I really appreciate your time in advance, and look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Nina Wolff Feld
Lisa: I do not want to disrespect you so let me first ask what is the title you prefer? Next I have read your site a little bit and I might have missed this but what is your take on the Cold War being a front for the fight of oil ownership, or right to drill. The more I look into this the more I see this might be the case. Most Cold War battles were fought in nations with strong oil reserves. Since the end of the Cold War most of the conflicts the U.S.A. has been involved in have been in oil rich countries. I am even starting to read about Haiti being an oil rich nation and that the people are not seeing any of the profit, just the Haitian Government. Maybe this is all just conspiracy, but I was interested in your opinion.
Lisa is just fine, but it’s pronounced “Liza.” I don’t buy into the Cold War as a front for access to oil. I think it’s a lot more complicated than that. Certainly, though, economic interests were central. If you read my very first post on What Was the Cold War? you’ll find a discussion of Cold War grand strategy. In the very early years of the Cold War, I think ideology and economic interests could be looked at separately. Later they became so intertwined that they were very difficult to untangle. As for the post Cold War world, oil is important. But in the Middle East today, I’d also look at things like the need for military bases to contain a nuclear Iran. Just one example. I’m going to be writing more about oil in the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned. And thanks for your comment.
Great project Nina. I’ll be happy to help.
Hi Lisa,
Given your interest in politics I thought you might find my world peace proposal (no less!) interesting…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HN6jeDxpt1M
And here’s the accompanying website…
http://www.UnitedDemocraticNations.org
I would be interested in your feedback. If you like the idea, maybe a good blog post topic?
Gary Stark
Campbell, CA USA
You’ve taken on a gigantic task Gary. Have you thought about starting with a smaller project that you might promote under the auspices of an existing organization that you respect? That might give you a chance to test the waters as to what kind of support you might be able to generate. At any rate, keep me informed as to your progress.
Right now, I’m not accepting guest posts. Don’t see that coming in the immediate future.
Thanks so much for the information.
Lisa
Dear Lisa,
After reading your web sites, I though you might be interest in my NF book, SECRETS OF THE COLD WAR. I was in Heidelberg in the Cold War for 16 years. I was in Intelligence.
Thanks much. The book sounds like a great read. I’m certainly going to pick it up.
Lisa
Hello Lisa,
I worked for Bell Helicopter Int. Inc. in the Mehrabad Depot in Tehran during the early and mid 70’s. I was wondering if you have any information related to the BHI pilots strike of 75′. At the time the news we had was that 1 or more pilots had been killed flying in Oman. As a result they had no insurance and the pilots wanted BHI to provide insurance to the families of the deceased. We do know that after the union was busted, many of the remaining pilots were transfered to Tehran.
I believe I worked with a few who claimed to have flown missions in Oman. Please reply.
Thank You,
Larry Barrow, Pensacola Florida
Hi Larry —
Your information is intriguing, but I don’t know anything about the BHI pilots’ strike. I’ll be starting an oral history that focuses on Americans in Iran later this fall. I’ll let you know if I come across anything related. Thanks so much for letting me know about this. I appreciate your insights.
Lisa
Hi Lisa … am a fan and frequent visitor of your Cold War site! Can I send you a copy of my new Cold War novel, The Thin Wall? Hoping you might read and review it!
Thanks for your consideration. Let me know how i can reciprocate!
Here is info about my book: http://www.rcyrilwest.com/books/
R. Cyril West
Hi Lisa,
I am a fan. Your views on the evolution of Cuba has piqued my interest. The time you have spent in Cuba has given you the opportunity to view the changes that have occurred. Although I have not visited Cuba since I left as a young child in 1962, I have been keeping abreast of the developments in the country. I fear that the future of Cuba once the Castro’s are out of the picture will be bloody. I hope not. I hope Cuba’s future will be bright, but, I don’t think so. Please give me your view on this matter. I will try to add my thoughts to this e-mail.Dear Dr. Reynolds-Wolfe:
It is my understanding that you are well-versed in the socio-political situation in Cuba. For several years, I have been observing the developments in Cuba and I would appreciate your opinion on my assessment of the country’s situation. After fifty-five years of socialism, the leadership has not been able to resolve the socio-economic problems that the country faces. These challenging problems are: a failing economy that cannot fulfill the most basic needs of the population; a deficient infrastructure that cannot provide the needed support services has not been maintained and a large segment of the population but, the most crucial and most dangerous problem that the Revolution has is the country’s demographics. For the first time in the Revolution’s fifty-five year history, a large segment of the population is thirty and under. Throughout Cuba’s historic past, major socio-political changes have occurred through This is a generation that is demanding more than any other previous generation. They will not be patient or understanding when the leadership fails to deliver the changes that are necessary to improve the quality of life in Cuba.
Raul has begun to make Raul’s designation of Diaz-Canel as his successor is one of many, that will be needed for a successful transition of power. Toward this end, Pres. Raul has begun to tentatively establish economic changes that will slowly change the very nature of the Revolution. He believes that these changes will create a quasi socialist/capitalist economic system that will be successful in carrying Cuba into the twenty-first century. The creation of an economy that is not solely dependent on government control is vital to Cuba. The state alone cannot create jobs that will raise the standard of living of the Cuban people. It must raise the standard of living because 70% of its population is thirty and under. It is a population that did not experience the Revolution. But, it is a population group that wants a better standard of living because it knows it can be had. In spite of this, the bigger question is why is Pres. Raul risking the present stability of the country to make basic changes that will rock the very foundations of the Revolution?
The answer is: family. The Castros’ are multimillionaires many times over. However, Fidel and Raul have large families which will have difficulty in emigrating once the elder Castros’ are dead. Everyone is so concerned about the politics of the situation that they forget that these brothers are very family oriented. Throughout Cuba’s history, rulers have fled the country once their time has ended. However, the Castro’s have large families and a legacy to protect. Their family’s survival depends on a political system that will protect the family and allow them to live in peace.
From his early years Raul has been a Maoist. It is very possible that he has seen how successful China has been in adapting its system and decided to follow her blueprint. From his speeches and the political measures that he has been taking since he announced his retirement, we know that , Raul has been trying to modernize the system. He realizes that if he makes too many changes in a short period of time, he may lose control of the process and in so doing, lose control of the country. He has groomed Diaz-Canel, to continue the changes that will be necessary in years to come. However, the possibility that Diaz-Canel will be successful in staying in power after Raul’s death is difficult to assess.
After the death of the Castro brothers, Diaz-Canel’s leadership will be challenged by: the younger officers in the armed forces. They will challenge the control of the economy by those that have replaced the Old Guard. Just imagine two or more groups armed to the teeth. Fighting for control of the country. The problem will be that since there are three regional armies there may be more than one cadre fighting for control. This will lead to civil war with urban and rural fighting between well-trained armies. As they fight for control, what is left of the economy will tank even further. This will lead to a popular revolt. Diaz-Canel will be forced to use the military on the populace. This brings us to the most important question: will the army fire on the population? I believe that it won’t forcing Diaz-Canel to resign or to make peace with the challengers. This will bring peace and an opportunity for the country to begin healing.
Dear Dr. Reynolds-Wolfe:
It is my understanding that you are well-versed in the socio-political situation in Cuba. For several years, I have been observing the developments in Cuba and I would appreciate your opinion on my assessment of the country’s situation. After fifty-five years of socialism, the leadership has not been able to resolve the socio-economic problems that the country faces. These challenging problems are: a failing economy that cannot fulfill the most basic needs of the population; a deficient infrastructure that cannot provide the needed support services has not been maintained and a large segment of the population but, the most crucial and most dangerous problem that the Revolution has is the country’s demographics. For the first time in the Revolution’s fifty-five year history, a large segment of the population is thirty and under. Throughout Cuba’s historic past, major socio-political changes have occurred through This is a generation that is demanding more than any other previous generation. They will not be patient or understanding when the leadership fails to deliver the changes that are necessary to improve the quality of life in Cuba.
Raul has begun to make Raul’s designation of Diaz-Canel as his successor is one of many, that will be needed for a successful transition of power. Toward this end, Pres. Raul has begun to tentatively establish economic changes that will slowly change the very nature of the Revolution. He believes that these changes will create a quasi socialist/capitalist economic system that will be successful in carrying Cuba into the twenty-first century. The creation of an economy that is not solely dependent on government control is vital to Cuba. The state alone cannot create jobs that will raise the standard of living of the Cuban people. It must raise the standard of living because 70% of its population is thirty and under. It is a population that did not experience the Revolution. But, it is a population group that wants a better standard of living because it knows it can be had. In spite of this, the bigger question is why is Pres. Raul risking the present stability of the country to make basic changes that will rock the very foundations of the Revolution?
The answer is: family. The Castros’ are multimillionaires many times over. However, Fidel and Raul have large families which will have difficulty in emigrating once the elder Castros’ are dead. Everyone is so concerned about the politics of the situation that they forget that these brothers are very family oriented. Throughout Cuba’s history, rulers have fled the country once their time has ended. However, the Castro’s have large families and a legacy to protect. Their family’s survival depends on a political system that will protect the family and allow them to live in peace.
From his early years Raul has been a Maoist. It is very possible that he has seen how successful China has been in adapting its system and decided to follow her blueprint. From his speeches and the political measures that he has been taking since he announced his retirement, we know that , Raul has been trying to modernize the system. He realizes that if he makes too many changes in a short period of time, he may lose control of the process and in so doing, lose control of the country. He has groomed Diaz-Canel, to continue the changes that will be necessary in years to come. However, the possibility that Diaz-Canel will be successful in staying in power after Raul’s death is difficult to assess.
After the death of the Castro brothers, Diaz-Canel’s leadership will be challenged by: the younger officers in the armed forces. They will challenge the control of the economy by those that have replaced the Old Guard. Just imagine two or more groups armed to the teeth. Fighting for control of the country. The problem will be that since there are three regional armies there may be more than one cadre fighting for control. This will lead to civil war with urban and rural fighting between well-trained armies. As they fight for control, what is left of the economy will tank even further. This will lead to a popular revolt. Diaz-Canel will be forced to use the military on the populace. This brings us to the most important question: will the army fire on the population? I believe that it won’t forcing Diaz-Canel to resign or to make peace with the challengers. This will bring peace and an opportunity for the country to begin healing.
Hi Alicia —
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts. As an academic, I can rely only on my own research — both primary and secondary — for my information. So I can agree with you that demographics are important. And I agree that Cubans, just like all of us, are looking for a better life for themselves and their children. But I am not able to comment on your statements about Fidel and Raul and family. I’ve done no research in that area and have come across no research that assesses the situation objectively. Next, I think the easy thing is to look at what’s going on in Cuba and say the leadership is following the Chinese model. The research that I’ve seen in that regard is inconclusive. We just don’t know yet. There are lots of opinions out there, but none that I know of is uniformly accepted. Finally, in my travels from one end of Cuba to the other, I’ve observed very different sentiments regarding support for the revolution and the Castros. How people feel in Havana doesn’t necessarily represent the sentiment of the rest of the country. Guess I just feel (based on the discussions I’ve had with people all over Cuba) that the future is impossible to predict.
very interesting indeed. I was searching for an article about the so called white revolution. yours was one of the first results and the only ones too. Although I did not find what I was looking for here. but your site and story was interesting.
Keep up the good work.
Thanks much for your comment? What were you looking for? Maybe I can post about it in the future.
Lisa – I came across your post at:
http://www.coldwarstudies.com/2013/08/19/cold-war-iran-bell-helicopter-and-grumman/
The picture of the peasant kids is very revealing of the way of life in the far villages in Iran. But it practically has nothing to do with the story.
Couldn’t you post a more flattering picture of these children? It is certainly not a true depiction of the Iranian culture in the main cities, even if we go back 20-30 years.
Thanks for your comment Jase. Actually, though, it is a true depiction. I took the picture of a Grumman child with Iranian kids he’d just met while on a picnic in fall of 1978. In fact, the picture was taken on the same day that martial law was declared in Isfahan. The picture was not of kids from far villages. It was taken on the outskirts of Isfahan. The kids were all playing together and the Iranian kids were quite happy to have their picture taken with the American.
Lisa,
On URL https://coldwarstudies.com/2016/10/25/cold-war-basics-h-is-for-house-un-american-activities-committee/ you wrote that Elizabeth Bentley had named Whittaker Chambers (my grandfather) in July 1948. That is a common misconception. In fact, in his 1949 memoir Robert Stripling claimed to have subpoenaed Chambers (but does not say why).
Regards – David
Thanks so much for the correction David. All the best to you.
Hello Lisa! My name is Carolina de Armas, I am a journalist and currently writing a book about life in Cuba during the 1960’s. I really enjoy your website and I would really like the opportunity to speak with you. Please feel free to reach out to me whenever you get the chance.
Best,
Carolina