How The 1979 Revolution Transformed Iran

This episode of Fresh Air features an interview with journalist Scott Anderson, author of "King of Kings: The Iranian Revolution." Anderson discusses the events leading up to the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the Shah's rule, the rise of Ayatollah Khomeini, and the miscalculations of American policymakers. He highlights the U.S. government's lack of understanding of the internal dynamics of Iran, the missed warning signs, and the consequences of supporting the Shah. The conversation covers the Shah's efforts to modernize Iran, the growing opposition led by Khomeini, and the Carter administration's dual-track approach to the crisis. Anderson argues that the revolution was not inevitable and that the U.S.'s actions contributed to the rise of Islamic extremism and subsequent missteps in the Middle East. The episode concludes with a discussion on the current regime in Iran and the prospects for change.