Americans during a protest against the Iran Hostage Crisis 444 Days, Washington DC, USA, 8th...

The hostage-takers, declaring their solidarity with other ''oppressed minorities'' and ''the special place of women in Islam,'' released 13 women and blacks in the middle of November 1979, leaving only one black and two women hostages. One more hostage, Richard Queen, was released in July 1980 after he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The remaining 52 hostages were held captive until January 1981. In the United States, the hostage-taking is said to have created 'a surge of patriotism' and left 'the American people more united than they have been on any issue in two decades.'