Decoding the Mystery- The Fate of the Canadian Ambassador in the Argo Affair
What happened to the Canadian ambassador in Argo? This question has intrigued many since the release of the film “Argo” in 2012. The film, directed by Ben Affleck, tells the true story of a group of six Americans who were held captive in Iran during the 1979-1981 hostage crisis. Amidst the chaos, the Canadian ambassador, Ken Taylor, played by Victor Garber, played a crucial role in the rescue operation. This article delves into the real-life events surrounding the Canadian ambassador in Argo and the impact of his actions on the outcome of the crisis.
The Canadian ambassador to Iran at the time of the hostage crisis was Ken Taylor. He was a seasoned diplomat who had been serving in Iran since 1976. On November 4, 1979, a group of Iranian students seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, taking 52 Americans hostage. Among the captives was a Canadian named John Sheardown, who had been working at the embassy. Sheardown, along with his wife, Zena, and their friend, Charles Kerchner, managed to escape the embassy and seek refuge at the Canadian embassy.
Ken Taylor, recognizing the urgency of the situation, decided to help Sheardown and Kerchner. He offered them shelter and, in a bold move, officially recognized them as Canadian diplomats. This decision was crucial, as it allowed the two men to remain in Iran without immediate threat of harm. The Sheardowns and Kerchner were renamed “Kerchner,” “Sheardown,” and “Taylor” to maintain their cover.
As the hostage crisis dragged on, the Canadian embassy became a safe haven for Americans seeking refuge. Ken Taylor, along with his colleagues, worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of the Americans and to support their families back home. In the midst of this chaos, the film “Argo” portrays Taylor’s role in the daring rescue mission. The movie depicts how Taylor, along with the other Canadians, helped to concoct a plan to extract the six Americans posing as a film crew, thus giving them a legitimate reason to leave Iran.
While the film Argo is a work of fiction, it is based on real events. The Canadian ambassador’s role in the rescue operation was indeed significant. However, the film has been criticized for downplaying the contributions of the Canadian government and embassy staff. In reality, the Canadian government played a crucial role in providing support and resources for the rescue mission.
After the crisis, Ken Taylor returned to Canada as a national hero. His actions not only saved the lives of the Americans seeking refuge at the Canadian embassy but also helped to maintain diplomatic relations between Canada and Iran. The Canadian ambassador’s bravery and dedication during the Argo crisis serve as a testament to the importance of diplomacy and the power of human resilience in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, what happened to the Canadian ambassador in Argo was a remarkable story of bravery, diplomacy, and human ingenuity. Ken Taylor’s role in the rescue operation was instrumental in the eventual release of the American hostages. While the film “Argo” may have dramatized certain aspects of the story, it is clear that the real-life events were just as compelling and inspiring.
