ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the social and political context within which the Iranian Revolution took place. It provides a brief account of the Iran-Iraq War and the religious and nationalist tactics employed by the Islamic regime to consolidate its power. During the Iran–Iraq War, Khomeini made frequent attempts to export the Islamic Revolution. The establishment of the anti-US Islamic Republic of Iran shattered a regional status quo that had served American interests for decades. The Green Movement exemplified the deep schism between Iran's state and society that has been perpetuated by the concept of vilayat-e faqih. Inspired by the changes in Iran, violent resistance to Saddam quickly became a popular notion among significant numbers of Iraq's Shia community. The Lebanese Shia's indignation at Israeli occupation, along with the Islamic Republic's provision of an ideological framework and financial support, transformed Hezbollah into a formidable fighting force.
