Revolution In The Air Analysis

Revolution in the Air is an article about changing the identity of a nation in the attempt to reconcile Islam and democracy. In the height of the cold war, the Iranians were fighting their own war. Not supported by the Americans nor the Soviets. The Islamic revolution in 1979 represented the Iranians determination to have their own government. The Shah’s rule before the revolution was supported by the U.S. government, but there was much opposition to authority and ruling of Iran.

With much opposition to Shah’ s regime, one of more vocal opposition was lead by a influential person by the name of Ayatollah Khomeini. Khomeini supporter anti-imperialism and focused on social justice. He was later exiled to Paris for several months, but came back
The Shah’s power continued to weaken. On August 19, 1978, over 350 people died in Abadan, when an arsonist set fire to a theater. After more massive demonstration in early September, the Shah declared martial law on September 8. After the declaration of martial law, the situation temporarily calmed. Tension climbed again in December, which was the lunar month of Muharram, a month that is especially holy for the Shi’a Muslims. Rioting broke out, leading to a virtual shut down of the oil industry. Dissatisfaction with the ruling system grew, and the Shah was forced to flee the country on January 16th. After the Shah left, Khomeini announced provisional government in Iran. He quickly took over the army, which ages were as low as 10 years old, and we're as old as 50. In a vote on March 30th, Iranians voted for the creation of an Islamic republic. Iran became completely alienated from the United States, and the country began to pursue a policy of non-alignment. They would follow the model of “neither East or West,” asserting their independence from the cold war. The revolution then became an example for other third world countries to forcibly declare their