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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which does NOT apply to the Iranian stereotype of masculinity?

2. In which year was Reza Khan declared Shah by the parliament?

3. Where does Kapuscinski trace modern terrorism to?

4. According to Kapuscinski, what united the Iranian and Shiite peoples?

5. In what year did Doctor Mossadegh die?

Short Essay Questions

1. What changes to the country does Shah Pahlavi make as part of his Great Civilization? How does the world regard the Shah during this time?

2. Describe the historical events that gave rise to the Shiite faith.

3. Characterize Reza Khan as a ruler. What were his goals as a ruler? How did he accomplish these goals?

4. Describe the important event of December 23, 1973, as it relates to Iranian history.

5. Describe briefly the tactics and strategy of the Savak.

6. What event causes Khomeini to call for the Shah to step down as leader? What do Khomeini and others like him think of Shah Pahlavi?

7. Describe the physical/personality differences between Reza Khan and Mohammed Reza Pahlavi as Kapuscinski sees them.

8. What is the story, as told through Kapuscinski examining a photograph, of the grandfather of the last Shah of Iran, Mohammed Reza Pahlavi?

9. Describe the story of Agha Mohammed Khan. Why does Kapuscinski mention this event?

10. For Kapuscinski, what does oil represent in Middle Eastern nations? Why does he call the allure of oil deceptive?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi was a central figure in Iranian history.

1) Explain Pahlavi's family background and upbringing.

2) How was Pahlavi different from his father? Discuss anything from physicality to governing style and personality.

3) Kapuscinski states that Pahlavi believed that "man is an abject creature." What does this statement mean, and what consequences would it have for Pahlavi's actions and attitudes?

Essay Topic 2

What role did oil play in Iran's history? List major events that involved oil, particularly the West's interest in Iranian oil reserves. For Kapuscinski, what does oil represent/symbolize for the poor people of the Middle East?

Essay Topic 3

Iran is notable for being one of the largest concentrations of Shiite Muslims in the world.

1) What is Shiism? Explain what followers believe about Muhammad and Ali.

2) How does Shiism differ from Sunni Islam? How do the two sides get along?

3) How does Kapuscinski trace modern terrorism to Iranian Shiism?

(see the answer keys)

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