ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the conditions of the nation's major oppositional forces on the eve of the revolution, striving to demonstrate how these groups had by and large been effectively suppressed and cut off from their constituencies, losing their organizational capacities. The National Front's effectiveness as an organized opposition force, however, proved to be short-lived. Having examined the status of Iran's opposition groups in the prerevolutionary era and Khomeini's paramount cohering impact upon them, the chapter assesses the potential challenge that these groups can mount against the theocracy. The best-organized and probably the most dedicated of the opposition groups operating primarily outside Iran is the Mojahedin-e Khalq organization. Prince Reza Pahlavi undoubtedly has a potential base of support within Iran. However, given their disunity, disorganization, and lukewarm commitments, the monarchists, even were they to join forces with the liberal opposition, would be unlikely to be able to bring down the present regime.
