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Iran
INTERNAL SECURITY
The Islamic Revolution destroyed the structures on which the
shah's internal security policies depended. Mohammad Reza Shah
had not tolerated dissent, had reacted strongly when challenged,
and had relied on an elaborate internal security police force
to enforce his absolute authority. Over the years, Khomeini had
vigorously condemned the shah's secret police operations and continually
called on Iranians to rise against a perceived tyrannical ruler.
By the late 1970s, the shah's internal security organizations
were in disgrace because of their abuses. In early 1979, the revolutionary
regime dismantled existing security organizations and called on
loyal citizens to protect the Revolution. Yet, like the shah,
the revolutionary regime faced clear opposition to its authority.
Data as of December 1987
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