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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. Where do members of the Shah's retinue travel to on a regular basis to have lunch?

2. Which class of people are not the targets of the Savak?

3. Which religion is the state religion of Iran?

4. How does world media respond to Shah Pahlavi's attempts to modernize Iran?

5. How does Shah Pahlavi pander to religious elements in Iran prior to retaking the throne from Mossadegh?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe why Kapuscinski feels that Shiism and Iranian culture were well-matched.

2. Describe the photograph involving the scene at the bus stop (Photograph 7).

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

4. What effect does the immigration of foreigners during the Great Civilization have on the common Iranian people?

5. How does the Shah respond once he is restored to power after Mossadegh is exiled?

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

7. What is Qom, and how is it associated with Ayatollah Khomeini?

8. How is language related to the Iranian revolution and the message that Khomeini preaches?

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

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

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

Fear is central to Kapuscinski's discussion of the Shah regime. How did Shah and his various organizations use fear as a weapon? Discuss specific policies the Shah instituted, and discuss the Savak and their relationship to the Iranian citizenry. Finally, how does Kapuscinski relate his discussion of fear to the Iranian Revolution? What role did fear play in that event?

(see the answer keys)

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