Oliver North, one of the central figures in the infamous Iran-Contra affair that marred the second term of the Reagan presidency, has become the president of the National Rifle Association (NRA) in the United States.
North, then an USMC Lt. Colonel, became a key player in the 1985 plan to secretly sell weapons to Iran and route the proceeds to fund the Contra rebellion in Nicaragua. He was indicted on a number of charges, which would subsequently be dismissed in 1991. North would go on to become a best-selling author and TV host.
According to a statement released by NRA vice-president Wayne LaPierre, “Oliver North is, hands down, the absolute best choice to lead our NRA Board, to fully engage with our members, and to unflinchingly stand and fight for the great freedoms he has defended his entire life.”