Glossary Chapter 13 Assembly of Experts An informal body in Iran which has de facto vet power over all major political decisions. Bonyal Islamic charities in Iran, many of which are controlled by the government. Chador Full-body-covering garment that most Iranian women have to wear. Charisma A style of leadership that emphasizes the personal magnetism of a single individual. Constitutional Revolution Begun in 1906, the first attempt to bring anything like democracy to Iran. Expediency Council A half lay and half clerical body designed to smooth relations between those two communities in Iran at the highest levels. Fundamentalism Religious beliefs of a literal nature that often lead to right-wing political views. Guardian Council The leading theological body in Iran for political purposes. Guardianship of the Jurist Developed by Ayatollah Khomeini, supports the notion that senior clerics have the best capacity to rule in a Muslim society. Image of the enemy Psychological concept that focuses on stereotyping one’s adversary. Islamicists Muslims who are convinced that their faith should dominate politically. Khamenei Ayatollah Ali Supreme Leader of Iran since the death of Ayatollah Khomeini. Khatami, Mohammed Reformist president of Iran, 1997–2005. Khomeini, Ayatollah Ruhollah Muslim cleric who led the 1979 revolution and Iran and was leader of the country until his death. Majlis The Iranian parliament. Mossadeq, Mohammed Left-of-center prime minister of Iran overthrown in a CIA-led coup in 1954. Pahlevi dynasty The father and son that ruled Iran for most of the twentieth century until the revolution of 1979. Rafsanjani, Akbar Hasemi Second and perhaps fourth president of Iran since the 1979 revolution. SAVAK Iranian intelligence service under the shah Second of Khordad Movement The political party organized to support the reform efforts of then president Khatami in Iran. Named for the day he was first elected. Shah Title of the rulers of Iran before the 1979 Islamic revolution. Shah, Mohammad Reza The second and last Pahlevi shah of Iran; deposed in 1979. Shah, Reza First Pahlevi shah of Iran. Sharia Islamic legal code which many argue should supercede civil law in countries such as Iran and Nigeria. Shiite Minority Muslim sect, usually seen as more militant than the Sunnis. Sunni Majority Muslim sect, usually seen as more moderate than the Shiites. Supreme Leader Title given to the Ayatollah who sits atop all Iranian political institutions. White revolution The term used by the shah to describe reforms in Iran between the end of World War II and the downfall of his regime in 1979.