Khomeini and the Arabs: A regional perspective

This study addresses the impact of the 1979 Islamic revolution of Iran on the Arab World, and it examines the vacillating attitudes of Ayatollah Khomeini and other prominent leaders of the revolution on the exportation of its ideology. The study also discusses the ramifications of the revolution among the Arabs.; The foreign policy behavior of the Islamic Republic of Iran has been approached differently by scholars, and conflicting ideological interpretations have been suggested. These interpretations have been based on the overall capabilities of Iran and its leaders' perceptions of the world. In this study, attempts have been made to reconcile these approaches in order to achieve a better understanding of the Khomeini phenomenon.; The study also considers the ideological imperatives that prompted the leaders of the revolution to export its ideology. Thus, the question of whether it was religion, nationalism or security concerns that directed the revolution to behave intrusively in the region is investigated. In order to put in perspective the ramifications of the Islamic revolution, Khomeini's writings and speeches since the start of his political activities until his return to Iran are analyzed.; To objectively assess the reaction of the Arabs, particularly those in the Gulf countries, to the revolution, official statements from government leaders are examined. In addition, Arabic, Persian, and English sources, including newspapers, press agency reports, as well as magazines and periodicals are consulted.; The research also probes the motivation behind Khomeini's rejection of the existing international rules and conventions. Historical and analytical methods are used to explain the evolution of the Islamic revolution and its interaction with the outside world.; As the revolution leaders assessed their goals and abilities, they realized that their regional ambitions could not be attained. Khomeini's death in June, 1989, strengthened this prevailing pragmatic thinking in Tehran. However, the defeat of Iraq in early 1991 by the U.S.-led coalition, encouraged the regime in Tehran to assert its role as a "regional superpower". Concerned, the Arab Gulf states are watching the events in the Gulf region with extreme caution. The present study is an exercise in defining the evolution of the Iranian revolution toward the Arab countries in the region.