Introduction

The Islamic Revolution in Iran—one of the most significant events in the modern history of the Middle East—has had reverberations far beyond the boundaries of its home country and the immediate region. It aroused enthusiasm throughout the Muslim world and became a force to be reckoned with by local as well as foreign governments. The Islamic states concerned quickly came to perceive Iran as a threat and set out to crush any sign of Islamic fundamentalism in their countries. While in most countries such fundamentalist movements continue to exist, their present size and influence does not seem impressive. The main idea was to merely present the revolution as an example for other movements and to rely on its impact. The revolution was exported, among other ways, by means of broadcasts in different languages, books and indoctrination material, conferences, and the organization of huge delegations for the hajj.