Whatever course Iran takes in coming years, Khomeini and
his revolution brought changes that have affected not only Iran
but the world. He forcefully brought Islam to the attention of
millions of startled onlookers outside the Middle East. Until he
came to power, most Westerners knew only that the Middle East
was a region of vast oil resources, ageless history, and perpetual
tension regarding Israel and the “Palestinian question.” They
little understood Islam or cared about its binding influence
throughout society.
William Shawcross surmised, “Only with the rise of Khomeini
did the politics and spirituality of Islam become a burning issue
among strategists, conversationalists, politicians, and writers.”^84
Iran After Khomeini 89