Includes bibliographical references (p. 236-241) and index.

Preface -- 1. Why and How Khomeini Succeeded 2. The Dynamics of Power 3. The Hostage Crisis 4. The Presidency and the Majlis 5. The Resurgence of Opposition 6. The Left and the Islamic Republic 7. The Demise of Banisadr 8 Armed Struggle Against the Regime 9. The Islamic Republic and the World 10. Prognosis Postscript -- Bibliography -- Index.

Since the turn of the century Iran has experienced three major political upheavals in the struggle to democratize her political systems. The last revolution inaugurated an era of unprecedented turmoil and instead of fulfilling its democratic aim, paved the way for an even more despotic theocracy. To put the revolution in a proper perspective, some attempt is made to explain the reasons for Khomeini' s success in acquiring first, the symbolic leadership of the anti-Shah revolution, and then, the monopolistic control of power in Iran.