The Realignment 569 | The Shah's Fall, Khomeini's Rise, and What It Means for the U.S. and Iran Today
Aug 21, 2025
Scott Anderson, a journalist and author known for his insights on foreign affairs, delves into the Iranian Revolution's legacy. He discusses the Shah's fall and how the rise of religious fundamentalism reshaped U.S.-Iran relations. Anderson critiques President Carter's misjudgments during the Cold War and examines the influence of past interventions on today's geopolitical landscape. The conversation also explores the complex interplay of national identity, conspiracy theories, and modern Iranian politics, revealing the lasting impact of history on current events.
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Historic Love‑Hate With The West
- Iranians have a deep, complicated love-hate relationship with the West rooted in 200 years of interference.
- That history makes U.S. influence powerful but easily backfires if mishandled.
Why Iran's Military Became Fragile
- The Shah built a technically impressive military but created a 'paper tiger' by micromanaging and preventing real command experience.
- Khomeini's regime then decapitated the officer corps, leaving Iran reliant on mass fervor, not sophisticated command.
Cold War Frame Missed Religious Rise
- U.S. policymakers misread Iran through a Cold War lens, prioritizing the 'red' communist threat over rising religious forces.
- That blind spot led Washington to underestimate Khomeini and at times engage with his camp.
