October 1980
 October 1980    | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | novel |
| Publication date | December 24, 2013 |
| Author(s) | George Cave |
| Subjects | October Surprise |
| Novel by George Cave the CIA's former top Iran expert, telling the true story of October Surprise. | |
October 1980 is a 2013 self-published novel by George Cave, the CIA's former top Iran expert, telling the true story of about October Surprise.
In a 2016 interview of the high-ranking CIA officer Duane Clarridge, Newsweek reported:
"It's a novel, but it's really not a novel," Clarridge explained. The exact date of the hostage release, Clarridge claimed, was set by infamous Iran-Contra middleman Manucher Ghorbanifar, who Clarridge claims had "big bets in Las Vegas—big, big—millions" tied to the outcome of the U.S. presidential election. "What George tells you is the real story," he said, whispering. "The whole novel is really true." (I wasn't able to reach Ghorbanifar for comment. But in a recent interview, Cave told me that he didn't believe Reagan officials plotted to delay the hostage release, but the part about the Iranian businessman was likely true. "Ghorbanifar liked to spend time in Las Vegas," Cave says. "Knowing what he knew, I can't believe he didn't have some bets."[1])
Unlike other books published by former CIA agents, Cave's novel does not contain the usual publication review disclaimer. The novel is also notable for its very sympathetic portrayal of Persian culture. The book has important revelations about the CIA's involvement in Iran in the 1950's as well as the attempted rescue, Operation Eagle Claw.[2]
