Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book assesses Mahmud Taleqani thought and theories, which advanced the view that the concentration of wealth in private hands is incompatible with Islam. It considers Iran's quest for social justice through a maze of economic legislation, conceived by authors who claimed not to be authors at all. The book examines the consolidation phase of the Revolution for basic structural changes in society. It describes how those who make Iranian policy toward the Gulf have actually wavered between ideology and pragmatism, between threats of subversion and offers of paternalistic protection to the Gulf states. The book describes the awakening of the Shi'i community to its political potential and the early growth of a Shi'i movement of protest. It shows the opposition of Lebanon's other communities, and especially the Jumayyil regime, to the rise of Shi'i influence merely strengthened Shi'i resolve.