CONFLICTED

Conflicted Revisited... Ayatollah vs. Shah

12 snips
Jun 18, 2025
Dive into the riveting showdown between the Ayatollah and the Shah during the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Explore the intense struggle between modernization and tradition that shaped Iran's future. Discover the indoctrination of children in Qom, steeped in apocalyptic fervor. Unpack the Shah's dilemmas as he attempted to modernize amidst rising dissent. Delve into the complexities of leadership lineage in Islam, and see how the Mahdi concept influenced post-revolutionary governance. Witness the historical roots that stirred this seismic shift in the Middle East.
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INSIGHT

Apocalyptic Roots of Iranian Revolution

  • The Iranian revolution of 1979 was driven by an apocalyptic vision centered on the Shi'a Mahdi.
  • This eschatology remains influential in Iran's ideology and its regional influence today.
INSIGHT

King of Kings and Divine Authority

  • The title "King of Kings" claims divinity, contradicting Islamic theology where only God is King of Kings.
  • This clash symbolized the deep ideological conflict between the Shah and Khomeini.
INSIGHT

Shah vs Ayatollah: Opposites Yet Similar

  • The Shah and Khomeini symbolized opposing values of modernity versus traditionalism.
  • Yet each incorporated the other's traits, blending modern authoritarianism and traditional ancient legitimacy.
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