YouTube22 Jan 2026
1h 7m

How the Iranian Revolution Was Hijacked | EP 2

Podcast cover

The Rest Is History

The podcast delves into the Iranian Revolution, focusing on the period leading up to the Shah's departure and the Ayatollah Khomeini's return. It examines the Shah's weakening grip on power due to illness and internal opposition, as well as the US's divided foreign policy approach, marked by conflicting advice from Cyrus Vance and Zbigniew Brzezinski. Khomeini's strategic use of media while in exile in Paris is highlighted, contrasting his public image with his revolutionary messages to Iran. The discussion also covers the economic impact of the revolution, particularly the oil crisis in the US, and Jimmy Carter's response, including his "malaise" speech and the infamous "killer rabbit" incident, illustrating the political turmoil in America amidst the Iranian upheaval.

Outlines

Part 1: Introduction and Context

Part 2: The Fall of the Shah

Part 3: Khomeini’s Rise and Strategy

Part 4: The Transition of Power

Part 5: Post-Revolutionary Chaos

Part 6: The American Crisis

Part 7: Future Outlook

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