Breaking History Podcast Summary
Episode: Restless Nation | The Red-Green Alliance: The Making of Modern Iran (Part 2)
Release Date: August 6, 2025
Host: Eli Lake
Contributors: Abbas Milani, historians, authors, and reporters from The Free Press
Introduction and Overview
In this second part of the special episode on the making of modern Iran, Breaking History delves deeper into the complex interplay between liberals, leftists, and the rise of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, whose leadership culminated in the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Host Eli Lake and historian Abbas Milani explore the formation of the first red-green alliance, the strategic maneuvers of both the Shah and Khomeini, and the profound consequences that reshaped Iran's political landscape.
The Rise of Ayatollah Khomeini
The episode begins by recounting Khomeini's pivotal role in dismantling 2,500 years of Iranian monarchy from his exile in a Parisian chateau. Eli Lake highlights Khomeini's ability to garner support from both domestic and international liberals and leftists, setting the stage for his influential presence in Iranian politics despite his physical absence from the country.
Notable Quote:
"Khomeini was a terror-loving reactionary who deceived the liberal and progressive factions into supporting his authoritarian regime."
— Eli Lake [00:00]
The White Revolution and Its Impact
Abbas Milani provides an in-depth analysis of the Shah's White Revolution, a series of reforms aimed at modernizing Iran. These reforms included land redistribution, women's suffrage, and the establishment of the literacy corps, which inadvertently threatened the traditional power base of the clergy.
Notable Quote:
"At the core of the Shah's decrees was the transfer of land owned by the old aristocracy to the subsistence farmers who worked on their plantations."
— Abbas Milani [10:29]
The White Revolution's attempts to secularize and modernize Iran created significant friction between the state and the religious establishment, setting the groundwork for future unrest.
SAVAK and the Suppression of Opposition
The Shah's secret police, SAVAK, played a crucial role in maintaining his regime's stability by suppressing dissent. However, under the leadership of Hassan Pakravan, SAVAK underwent significant reforms, including the banning of torture and attempts to reconcile with opposition figures like Khomeini.
Notable Quote:
"Hasan Pakravan was the director who banned all torture and tried to reconcile the Shah's regime with the opposition."
— Abbas Milani [23:54]
Pakravan's humane treatment of Khomeini, including weekly lunches, inadvertently allowed the Ayatollah to refine his revolutionary strategies.
Khomeini’s Exile and Media Strategy
After being exiled to Najaf and later to France, Khomeini masterfully utilized mass communication technologies of the time to spread his revolutionary message. He distributed cassette tapes of his sermons, which were strategically disseminated across Iran, galvanizing public support against the Shah.
Notable Quote:
"Khomeini was an innovator in using cassette tapes to distribute his message, turning his sermons into a viral phenomenon that mobilized millions."
— Abbas Milani [30:03]
This innovative approach ensured that Khomeini remained a central figure in the opposition, even from abroad, effectively undermining the Shah's authority.
International Perceptions and Intellectual Support
The episode examines the misguided support Khomeini received from Western intellectuals like Michel Foucault and Bernard Lewis. While Foucault lauded the spiritual dimensions of the Iranian movement, Lewis warned of the authoritarian nature of Khomeini's plans as outlined in his book Islamic Government.
Notable Quote:
"Bernard Lewis warned that Khomeini's revolution would not lead to democracy but to a theocracy incompatible with Western values."
— Abbas Milani [56:35]
These intellectual endorsements contributed to a skewed international perception of the revolution, with many Western liberals failing to anticipate the resulting ideological shift in Iran.
The Fall of the Shah and Khomeini's Triumphant Return
By late 1978, widespread protests and escalating violence rendered the Shah's position untenable. On January 16, 1979, the Shah fled Iran, leading to chaotic celebrations and mass support for the revolution. Two weeks later, Khomeini returned, greeted by jubilant crowds, solidifying his leadership and paving the way for the establishment of the Islamic Republic.
Notable Quote:
"On February 1, 1979, Ayatollah Khomeini returned from his exile, stone-faced and triumphant, marking the true culmination of the revolution."
— Eli Lake [64:57]
The Aftermath and Establishment of the Islamic Republic
Following the Shah's departure, Khomeini swiftly moved to dismantle the existing governmental structures, targeting feminists and enforcing strict Islamic laws. The new regime enacted policies that severely curtailed women's rights, prohibited their participation in sports, and established harsh punitive measures against former regime officials.
Notable Quote:
"On March 4, Khomeini declared that only men could initiate a divorce, marking the beginning of a systematic rollback of women's rights in Iran."
— Abbas Milani [67:00]
The episode underscores the rapid transformation of Iran into a theocratic state under Khomeini's rule, highlighting the stark contrast between the initial revolutionary promises and the ensuing authoritarian realities.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Khomeini’s Revolution
Breaking History concludes by reflecting on the long-term impacts of Khomeini's revolution. It discusses Iran's role in fostering regional terrorism, supporting militant groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, and its ongoing opposition to Western influence. The episode emphasizes the deceptive nature of Khomeini's alliances, which initially garnered liberal support but ultimately led to a repressive regime that continues to influence global geopolitics.
Notable Quote:
"Khomeini's revolution was enabled and empowered by deception, as he promised democracy while establishing a theocracy incompatible with freedom and human rights."
— Eli Lake [80:07]
The hosts argue that understanding this historical trajectory is crucial for comprehending contemporary Middle Eastern dynamics and resisting the repetition of such authoritarian shifts.
Key Takeaways
- Strategic Alliances: Liberals and leftists inadvertently supported Khomeini, believing his movement would lead to democratic reforms.
- Media Influence: Khomeini’s innovative use of cassette tapes and international media was pivotal in sustaining his influence from exile.
- Intellectual Missteps: Western intellectuals misjudged Khomeini's intentions, contributing to international misunderstandings of the Iranian revolution.
- Authoritarian Shift: The Islamic Republic quickly moved away from initial revolutionary ideals, imposing strict theocratic laws and suppressing dissent.
- Long-Term Consequences: Iran's new regime has had lasting impacts on regional stability and global geopolitics through its support of militant groups.
Final Thoughts
This episode of Breaking History provides a comprehensive examination of the factors leading to the Islamic Revolution in Iran, emphasizing the complexities of political alliances and the unintended consequences of ideological support. By dissecting the historical events and the roles played by key figures like Khomeini and the Shah, Eli Lake and Abbas Milani offer valuable insights into the shaping of modern Iran and its enduring legacy.