Fareed Zakaria: GPS: Inside “Argo”: Fareed Zakaria talks with Tony Mendez…

In 2012, CNN‘s Fareed Zakaria: GPS featured a compelling interview with Tony Mendez, the real-life CIA operative whose remarkable story of the “Canadian Caper“ served as the inspiration for the acclaimed film Argo. Hosted by Fareed Zakaria, the interview provided viewers with a unique opportunity to delve into the intricacies of Mendez’s career, the audacious rescue mission, and the behind-the-scenes details that captivated audiences worldwide.

**The Background**

The interview began by setting the stage for viewers. Fareed Zakaria introduced Tony Mendez as a seasoned CIA officer with a specialization in exfiltration and disguise. He contextualized the interview within the backdrop of the Iranian Revolution from 1978 – 1979, and the U.S. Embassy hostage crisis in 1979, emphasizing the high-stakes environment in which Mendez operated.

**The Early Career and Expertise of Tony Mendez**

Fareed Zakaria delved into Mendez’s early career, tracing his path from a talented artist to a CIA operative. Mendez’s artistic skills, particularly his talent for creating convincing disguises, were highlighted as pivotal to his work within the intelligence agency. The interview explored how Mendez‘s unique abilities led to his involvement in covert operations.

**The Inception of the Canadian Caper**

Mendez shared the genesis of the “Canadian Caper“ and the circumstances that led to its conception. He detailed the precarious situation of the six American diplomats who had escaped the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and found refuge with the Canadian Embassy. Mendez explained how the urgency of their situation and the escalating crisis in Iran drove the CIA to develop a daring and unconventional plan to rescue them.

**Creating the Cover Story: Argo**

A significant portion of the interview focused on the creation of the cover story for the rescue mission—the fake sci-fi film Argo. Mendez, with the assistance of Hollywood makeup artist John Chambers, played by John Goodman in the real 2012 film Argo, provided insight into how they developed the fictional movie production, complete with a script, posters, and advertisements. Mendez‘s collaboration with Chambers and others in the film industry underscored the film’s dual nature, bridging the worlds of espionage and entertainment.

**Forging Canadian Identities and the Role of Canada**

Mendez discussed the pivotal role played by the Canadian government, particularly Ambassador Ken Taylor, played by Victor Garber in the 2012 film, in sheltering the American diplomats and facilitating their escape. He highlighted the importance of the Canadian government’s support in providing genuine Canadian passports and coaching the diplomats on their new identities.

**The Tension-Filled Escape**

Fareed Zakaria and Tony Mendez revisited the suspenseful moments leading up to the diplomats’ escape from Tehran. Mendez vividly recounted the nail-biting experience at Mehrabad International Airport, where the Americans had to navigate a series of checkpoints and interactions with Iranian officials while maintaining their cover as members of a film crew. The interview conveyed the gravity of the situation and the risks involved.

**The Aftermath and Legacy**

Mendez shared his thoughts on the enduring legacy of the “Canadian Caper“ and its impact on diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Canada. He also discussed the emotional toll of espionage work and the satisfaction of knowing that the mission was a success.

**Reflection and Connection to Argo Film**

Throughout the interview, Fareed Zakaria drew parallels between the real-life events and the cinematic adaptation in Argo. Mendez provided insights into the accuracy of the film, acknowledging the creative liberties taken for dramatic effect while also affirming the film’s core fidelity to the mission’s essence.

**Conclusion and Takeaways**

In conclusion, the CNN’s Fareed Zakaria: GPS interview titled Inside Argo: Fareed Zakaria talks with Tony Mendez offered viewers a rare and captivating glimpse into the life and experiences of a true American hero. Tony Mendez’s personal account of the “Canadian Caper“, coupled with his reflections on the film Argo, provided a comprehensive and engaging narrative that shed light on the audacious rescue mission that defied the odds during a critical moment in history. The interview not only honored the heroes behind the “Canadian Caper“ but also served as a testament to the power of creativity, ingenuity, and international cooperation in the world of espionage.

You can watch the full interview with Fareed Zakaria and Tony Mendez below:

Argo is available now to rent on all streaming platforms…