Not Without My Daughter

The 1979 Iranian Revolution informs the political context and many of the events and relationships in Not Without My Daughter. The revolution was the result of a long quest for democratic governance in Iran. Until 1979, Iran was governed by the Pahlavi dynasty, headed by the shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Pahlavi maintained a close relationship with the United States and other prominent nations, turning away from the influence of the USSR. Anti-government protests started in October 1977, culminating in massive uprisings. Although many of the protesters were not ideologically aligned, others were informed by Islamic and Marxist-Leninist ideologies. A vast majority of the population demanded the shah’s removal, hoping for a democratic and prosperous society. However, the overthrow of monarchic power resulted in the establishment of a theocratic government led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, a religious cleric who became Iran’s Supreme Leader. The Islamic Republic of Iran is led by an authoritarian Shia government that is widely criticized for its constant suppression of its citizens, its violations of civil and human rights, and its opposition to mainstream democratic values. The constitution approved by the Islamic Republic of Iran is based on Islamic law. In Not Without My Daughter,