Question

Why did President Reagan order the CIA to recruit the Contras?

Answer 1

President Reagan ordered the CIA to recruit the Contras because he thought they were necessary to oust a Communist-leaning government in Nicaragua.

One of the reason Reagan was a prominent president, was because of his policies aimed at fighting communism across the world. Nicaragua was a place which homed several communist since the Sandinistas overthrow the government of Nicaragua to establish a communist regime. On the other hand, the Contrast, were a group of people who were against this communist overthrow.

Answer 2

He wanted to use the Contras to help free US hostages being held by terrorists.
He thought they could help the United States sell arms to countries fighting Communism.
He thought they were necessary to oust a Communist-leaning government in Nicaragua.
He felt that it would prompt Congress to change its stand on US involvement in Latin America.