IRAN: A New Hostage Tug of War

At home and abroad, Khomeini faces mounting pressures

Wearing his familiar black turban and cape, Ayatullah Ruhollah Khomeini sat on the flat roof of his single-story house in Qum and waved impassively to thousands of followers jamming the narrow streets below. The occasion was the solemn Shi'ite religious holiday known as Arba'un. Many of the pilgrims ritualistically flogged themselves with small chains to the beat of drums and tambourines; others wore white shrouds, symbolizing their willingness to die for Islam. "The only leader is Khomeini!" chanted the multitude, as red-lettered posters proclaimed...

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