In the 1960s, the world was no stranger to political assassinations and coups, often suspected of being orchestrated by powerful intelligence agencies like the CIA and Mossad. The past week has witnessed a surge in similar high-stakes political violence with three significant assassination-related events in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Slovakia, and Iran. This raises the question: Are we witnessing a return to covert operations reminiscent of the Cold War era?
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
- Coup Attempt: On May 19, 2024, an attempted coup d’état was thwarted by the Congolese army. The coup, led by exiled opposition figure Christian Malanga, culminated in his death during the assault on the presidential palace. Around 50 individuals, including three American citizens, were detained. This coup attempt targeted President Félix Tshisekedi and led to casualties, including two guards and an attacker at the residence of prominent parliament member Vital Kamerhe.
Slovakia
- Assassination Attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico: On May 15, 2024, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Handlova. Despite being shot multiple times, Fico survived after extensive surgery. The suspect, Juraj Cintula, a 71-year-old man, was apprehended. This politically motivated attack has intensified political feuds in Slovakia, with Fico’s allies accusing the media and opposition of inciting violence through divisive rhetoric.
Iran
- Death of President Ebrahim Raisi: On May 19, 2024, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash in northwest Iran. The crash, which also killed the foreign minister and other officials, is under investigation but has sparked widespread speculation and conspiracy theories. Raisi’s death could profoundly impact Iran’s political landscape, especially concerning the succession of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Analysis
These events underscore the volatile political climates and potential international implications:
- DRC: The attempted coup highlights the ongoing instability and contentious nature of Tshisekedi’s presidency. The involvement of foreign nationals, including Americans, adds a complex international dimension to the crisis.
- Slovakia: The assassination attempt on Fico illustrates the deep political polarization and the dangers of incendiary political rhetoric. Fico’s policies and his government’s approach to media freedom and corruption have exacerbated these tensions.
- Iran: Raisi’s death amid escalating tensions with Israel and internal political maneuvering raises concerns about the stability of the Iranian regime and its future leadership. The incident could lead to increased instability both within Iran and across the region.
Conclusion
Are we witnessing a revival of Cold War-era covert operations? While direct evidence of CIA or Mossad involvement in these recent events is lacking, the patterns of political assassinations and coups bear a striking resemblance to historical tactics employed during the Cold War. The fragility of political systems in these regions and the potential for significant upheaval cannot be ignored. As these situations develop, it will be crucial to monitor the roles of international players and the broader geopolitical implications.