Ayatollah Khomeini

Definition

Ayatollah Khomeini was an Iranian religious leader and politician who led the Iranian Revolution in 1979, establishing a theocratic regime in Iran. His rise to power marked a significant shift in Iran's political landscape, as he replaced the Western-backed Shah with a government rooted in Islamic principles, significantly impacting global politics during and after the Cold War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Khomeini's leadership during the Iranian Revolution galvanized diverse groups against the Shah, leading to widespread protests and ultimately his return from exile.
2. He established a government based on Shia Islamic principles, emphasizing the role of clerics in governance and enshrining religious authority in the state.
3. Khomeini's regime was known for its opposition to Western influence, particularly American involvement in Middle Eastern affairs, which he viewed as corrupting.
4. His rise to power contributed to a resurgence of Islamic movements across the globe, influencing political Islam in various countries following the Cold War.
5. Khomeini's policies led to significant tensions with both Iraq, resulting in the Iran-Iraq War, and Western nations, altering geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.

Review Questions

• How did Ayatollah Khomeini's leadership influence various groups during the Iranian Revolution?
  • Khomeini's leadership unified a range of groups that opposed the Shah's regime, including leftists, nationalists, and religious conservatives. His ability to articulate grievances against Western influence and the Shah’s authoritarian rule resonated with many Iranians. This unifying message helped to mobilize large-scale protests that ultimately led to the Shah's downfall and Khomeini's rise as a central figure in the new government.
• What were the main principles of governance established by Khomeini after the Iranian Revolution?
  • After the revolution, Khomeini established an Islamic Republic where governance was intertwined with Shia Islamic law. The concept of velayat-e-faqih, or rule by Islamic jurists, was central to his vision, positioning clerics as key political leaders. This new system emphasized religious authority over secular governance and instituted policies that reflected conservative Islamic values.
• Evaluate how Ayatollah Khomeini's rise to power affected U.S.-Iran relations and broader Middle Eastern geopolitics post-1979.
  • Khomeini's ascent marked a drastic shift in U.S.-Iran relations as he vehemently opposed American influence in Iran and the region. The hostage crisis following the revolution intensified animosities between the two nations and fueled anti-American sentiment throughout the Middle East. Additionally, Khomeini's establishment of an Islamic state inspired Islamist movements across other countries, leading to increased tensions with Western powers and contributing to a realignment of alliances and conflicts in the region during the late 20th century.

Related terms

Iranian Revolution: A series of events in 1979 that led to the overthrow of the Shah of Iran and the establishment of an Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Khomeini.

Islamic Republic: The political system established in Iran after the 1979 revolution, characterized by a blend of Islamic law and republican governance.

Shah of Iran: Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last monarch of Iran, whose regime was overthrown during the Iranian Revolution.