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This article argues that theocracy is not a long-term political system for Iran and that its leader Ayatollah Khomeini will not last. According to the author, Iran is now off on a new frenzied tangent but soon his frenzy will dissolve. The country remains a gifted, progressive, God-fearing nation despite the instability and imbalance which seem to characterize its history. The author contends that the Soviet Union calculated the Iranian factor before invading Afghanistan. He believes that whatever happens to the Iranians, they did it to themselves.

Examines the rise to power of Iran's Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Forecast of Iran's future under expected successor Sayeed Ali Khamenei.

This article emphasizes that the forces of political moderation and religious dedication in Iran should establish a broad entente that will enable them to meet the challenge of building a stable government. The government has publicly admitted the error of failure to prevent the retribution by religious forces of former government leaders and officials. The leading officials of Iran are acting to ensure that no extreme groups will be able to impose its will on the entire nation.

The article reflects on the political problems faced by Iran as of March 1979. It states the persistent leitmotif of Persian history. It describes the social conditions in Iran. It stresses the outcome of Ayatollah Khomeini's referendum on an Islamic Republic. It addresses the trend toward secular government.

The article offers news briefs on U.S. and world politics as of April 18, 1994. The personalities who capitalized from the Whitewater Inquiry in 1993 include Republican Jim Leach of Iowa and "Wall Street Journal" editor Bob Bartley. There has been a reported 25 percent decline in oil prices worldwide. The religious and political conflict in Iran is speculated to result to revolution. Bipartisan support is expected for legislation being debated in the U.S. Congress which would offer economic aid to Cuba one Cuban leader Fidel Castro is removed from power.

Comments on the character of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's regime in Iran. Report on Khomeini's death threat to British author Salman Rushdie who wrote "The Satanic Verses"; War the country has faced between 1979 and 1989; Social conditions in Iran under Khomeini; Use of Islam to justify violence; Implications for international relations with Iran.

Speculates on the future of the Islamic Republic of Iran under Khomeini's heir apparent, Hojetoleslam Hashemi Rafsanjani. Corruption and incompetence in the army; Comparisons to other world `aftermath' situations (Afghanistan, Argentina, etc.).

The article focuses on Prince Mohammed Reza Pahlevi and his political career in Iran. His father was dethroned in 1941 and Prince Mohammed Reza was torn between the lesson he learned from his ruthless father and the reality of paternal humiliation. In the end Prince Mohammed Reza was given a second chance with the help of the U.S. and the mistakes committed by his enemies. For twenty five years he controlled the fulcrum of the past and future of Iran. After all those years, he was once again torn between progressive goals and traditional methods of implementing order in an unruly land. After succeeding for so long, his sudden descent is particularly surprising.

The article ponders on the issues concerning the liberation of American captives in Tehran, Iran. It cites the penalties Iran would have to pay for their offenses against the international law and the civilized standards. It highlights the attempts of the U.S. in dealing with Iran.

This article wonders who the leader is of those militants who are holding the U.S. embassy in Iran as of January 25, 1980. The militants have stressed that they take orders only from Ayatollah Khomeini but, the author observes, they have been acting on their own initiative. They are planning to try another hostage for war crimes committed by the U.S. in Vietnam. The militants' actions, the author notes, are confusing. According to him, the militants keep Muslims' attention on the domestic scene by keeping the fires hot.