Imam Khomeini’s Approach to Political Struggle

The focus of this paper is analysis of methods used by Imam Khomeini in his struggles until the victory of the Islamic Revolution. The main question of this paper is: What was Imam Khomeini’s approach to violence and nonviolence in his political struggles against the Shah’s regime?

More than four decades of Resistance against global arrogance

The triple events of November the 4th began in 1964, when Imam Khomeini, leader of the Islamic revolution of Iran was exiled to Turkey for accusing the King, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi of affiliation with the US. Years later in 1978, tens of Iranian school children were killed as they protested against the Shah for the same reason. And finally, a year later, Students of university age fearing that the revolution would be thwarted by American interference, took over the US embassy in Tehran. Imam Khomeini eventually called the takeover “A second revolution”.Iran-America relations were once famous. But as they turned sour over 40 years ago, the non-relations became as famous and has stuck till today. The turning point was Iran’s Islamic Revolution of 1979. But the western superpower, America, and the west Asian regional power, Iran, were never friends on an equal standing.

They have taken a law (Capitulation Bill) to the Parliament according to which the Americans are to ...

Denouncing the Capitulation Bill

Imam Khomeini’s speech about Capitulation Law

Imam Khomeini who was concerned for the presence of American, British and Israeli advisors in Iran and their harmful performance became informed of the details of Capitulation right for American militaries some few days after its enactment by National Consultative Assembly.

Capitulation Bill and its background

Imam Khomeini’s opposition to Capitulation in 1964

Imam Khomeini foiled US-designated plots, denounced Capitulation

In October 1964, the Shah signed the bill which came to be known as the ‘Bill of Capitulation’. The bill intended to give immunity to foreigners especially the US authorities inside Iran.