The Iranian revolution, a significant historical event, completed its 40th anniversary in February 2019. Beginning as a popular democracy movement, it smoothly transitioned into the world’s first Islamic state. This revolution shook not only Iran but left a global impact that resonates to this day.
Background of the Iranian Revolution
Ending the second world war saw the United States providing Iran with political and economic support, leading to the formation of Mohammad Mosaddeq’s National Front. This secular and modern entity became the first democratically-elected Iranian government in 1951. Mosaddeq, known for his progressive ideologies, gained the approval of not just the secular elite, but also the Iranian ulama (religious scholars). Following his taking power, he nationalised the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC), previously owned by Britain, as an attempt to curb the exploitation of Persian oil by Western powers.
However, this move backfired leading to economic sanctions from Britain and the US resulting in an impaired Iranian economy. Consequently, Mosaddeq was replaced in a military coup organised by the Central Intelligence Agency(CIA) and British Intelligence in 1953. This event returned Shah Reza Pahlavi, the reigning monarch, to power. AIOC was converted into BP (British Petroleum), splitting the profits equally. This intervention by Western powers left a bitter aftertaste among Iranians and stirred resentment in the Muslim world.
The Lead-up to the Revolution
Between 1953 and 1977, the Shah relied heavily on the US in his efforts to modernise the army, society, and build the economy. Despite achieving prosperity, industrialisation and enhanced literacy levels, it came at a great cost. This period witnessed unequal wealth distribution, large scale political suppression of dissent, and the development of an underclass migrating to urban centres. Religious scholars felt alienated due to the imposed Western lifestyle that threatened to eradicate Islam from society.
The growing public mistrust in the Shah’s economic policy and resentment of his autocratic style accelerated the revolution. Ayatollah Khomeini, a Shia cleric living in exile in Paris, played a crucial role in leading the sustained opposition from religious circles. His followers initiated protests that eventually spread to all major cities and culminated into the revolution on February 1, 1979 upon Khomeini’s triumphant return to Iran.
The Outcome and Impact of the Revolution
The Iranian revolution was a turning point not only for Iran but also influenced global geopolitics. The US lost an important ally against the communist threat and found a new adversary. This revolution drastically changed the political landscape of the Middle East, kindling regional sectarian cold war between Iran and Saudi Arabia, challenging Saudi monarchy and its leadership claim over the Muslim world.
| Year of Event | Event Description |
|---|---|
| 1951 | Mohammad Mosaddeq’s National Front becomes the first democratically-elected Iranian government |
| 1953 | Military coup organised by CIA and British Intelligence replaces Mosaddeq with Shah Reza Pahlavi |
| 1979 | Revolution culminates with Ayatollah Khomeini’s return to Iran |
Assessing the Revolution’s Success
Despite numerous challenges including the eight-year Iran-Iraq war and decades of economic sanctions, the revolution has survived for four decades. However, the promises of economic and social progress remain largely unfulfilled. The economy continues to be dependent on oil revenues, struggling with high unemployment rates and hyperinflation. The Iranian populous wishes for better economic prospects but finds itself trapped in despair.
The Islamist premise of making society more religious through political power has also not yielded the desired outcomes. Post-revolution generations are not more religious than their predecessors. There is a growing demand for greater freedoms and end to the enforced religion from above among a significant proportion of Iranians. Understandingly, many Iranians attribute the shortcomings of the revolution to ongoing US sanctions. Despite trading with European powers, China, Russia, and India, there remains a belief that the West is determined to ensure Iran’s failure.