James A. Bill, “Iran and the Crisis of ‘78” Foreign Affairs, Winter 1978/79.
I. Introduction
Iran and the surrounding countries have always been an area of great turbulence and instability. In 1978, there was a huge opposition to the Iranian Shah and his political rule. Numerous disturbances and riots killed thousands and destroyed villages. Overall, the American response to the ‘78 crisis was minimal and distorted. This article tries to explain the three key reasons for the violent opposition to the Shah and his regime.
II.
Mohammed Reza Shah Pahlavi became the Shah of Iran in 1941, and has since proved to be a very clever and powerful leader. He survived many problems, ranging from assassination to complete governmental upheaval. He used many tactics to maintain his powerful position such as appointing and dismissing his highest governmental officials on a whim. He also possessed the ability to identify key social and political issues and speak out about them, but never really create any new policies to change these problems. However, between 1971 and 1976 all over these tactics failed and deteriorated. His regime soon turned to an extreme terrorist movement, with extreme violence and an anti-Pahlavi group. After several assassinations, kidnappings, and killings, the government, and the Shah, are even more shaken than ever.
III.
There has always been a conflict between an absolute monarchy and a growing middle class wanting control. In the Middle East, including Iran, the rising middle class has begun to overpower the monarchy. There is a greater demand for basic human rights such as freedom of speech, press, and assembly. Also, the judicial system is run completely by the Shah and his appointed members. The Iranian people are very skeptical of the Shah despite his efforts of reform this system. Other areas of the government are especially weak, such as health and education. Another problem in Iran involves the governmental policies toward religion. Iranians are adherents of Shi’ism, and their main leaders are named mujtahids. These religious leaders are often in conflict with the Shah and his reforms. Yet, the educated, professional middle class of Iran is still the leading opposition to the Shah and his monarchy. However, the Pahlavi system had survived for many years due to the great wealth of the Shah along with many outside sources, yet this was not enough to prevent an uprising in 1978.
IV.
Now, Iran and its political situation are quite important to the United States. Iran shares a large border with the Soviet Union and has acted as a shield against the spread of communism into the Middle East. Also, the U.S. depends upon Iran for its petroleum needs. The Shah also pays high prices for American military goods. Therefore, due to this increased American involvement, many questions are being asked concerning Iran and its policies. Due to the violence and attacks, many American ambassadors have been sent to Iran to suggest an American presence. Over the past 15 years, a handful of individuals have moved out into the Iranian society, in order to report on things within the country, yet some information has been distorted due to difficulties in relaying the information.
V.
James Bill gave a list of possible intermediate policy alternatives:
Summary by:
Liz Garmatz
Summary #3