'Operation Ajax' presents history in an entirely new way. It takes a true story and uses cutting-edge technology, never before used in this way, to bring it to spectacular life.

The quote by Stephen Kinzer refers to Operation Ajax, an interactive project that retells the story of the 1953 Iranian coup d’état, in which the CIA and MI6 overthrew Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh. When Kinzer says it presents history in an entirely new way, he is pointing to the innovative use of digital technology to narrate a complex historical event. Rather than being confined to traditional books or documentaries, the story is brought to life through an interactive graphic novel app, combining visuals, text, and multimedia.

By noting that the project uses cutting-edge technology never before used in this way, Kinzer highlights the uniqueness of this storytelling method. It allows audiences to engage with history dynamically—through animation, documents, and immersive design—making the past more accessible and engaging, especially for those who might not connect with conventional historical texts. In this sense, technology becomes a bridge between academic history and popular culture.

His description of bringing the story to spectacular life underscores the project’s goal of transforming history from static facts into a vivid, lived experience. The use of design and interactivity provides emotional depth and context, helping audiences grasp the political intrigue, cultural stakes, and global impact of the coup. This approach reflects a belief that history should not only inform but also captivate.

The origin of this quote lies in Kinzer’s role as a journalist, author, and historian, best known for his book All the Shah’s Men: An American Coup and the Roots of Middle East Terror (2003), which explored the same event. His endorsement of Operation Ajax reflects his support for innovative ways of teaching history. By combining his scholarly work with new media storytelling, Kinzer emphasizes the importance of making historical events both educational and engaging for modern audiences.