Border disputes

Borders disputes

In 1975, in an OPEC meeting in Algiers in the initiative of President Houari Boumedienne, Iran and Iraq agreed to meet and negotiate their dispute over borders and water andnavigation rights. This meeting resulted in the Algiers agreement.
The thalweg, meaning the median course of the Shatt-El-Arab waterway, was designated as the border. The agreement caused the Shah of Iranto withdraw Iranian support for the Kurdish rebellion, which thereupon collapsed.

The Shatt el Arab River is only 120 miles long and is formed by the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.Political difference

Opposition to the White Revolution
In January 1963, the Shah announced the « White Revolution, » a six-point program of reform calling for land reform, nationalization ofthe forests, the sale of state-owned enterprises to private interests, electoral changes to enfranchise women and allow non-Muslims to hold office, profit-sharing in industry, and a literacy campaign inthe nation’s schools.

During November 1964, Khomeini denounced both the Shah and the United States, this time in response to the « capitulations » or diplomatic immunity granted by the Shah toAmerican military personnel in Iran

Khomeini was arrested in November 1964 and held for half a year. Upon his release, he was brought before Prime Minister Hasan Ali Mansur, who tried to convinceKhomeini that he should apologize and drop his opposition to the government. Khomeini refused. In fury, Mansur slapped Khomeini’s face.
Two weeks later, Mansur was assassinated on his way to parliament.Four members of the Fadayan-e Islam were later executed for the murder.

Khomeini spent more than 14 years in exile
Khomeini had refused to return to Iran until the Shah left. On January 16, 1979,the Shah did leave the country (ostensibly « on vacation »), never to return. Two weeks later, on Thursday, February 1, 1979, Khomeini returned in triumph to Iran, welcomed by a joyous crowd estimated…