I think he is absolutely correct!
The Iranians were very advanced for their time. In 1905 the Constitutional reforms were initiated with the intention of modernising Iran with sweeping Land and economic reforms. Democracy could have but failed to take root due to external interferences.
With Mossadeqh Nationalising Oil in the 50's the Prospects were hopeful for a Nationalism that would lead to Irans economic and social progress. Again stymied by external forces.
Kingship was instated for the benefit of the West, not for Iranians.
That the Shah was patriotic is not in doubt, but his methods and pace of change was bound to fail.
The Islamic Revolution has empowered the small man more than any other previous regimes. They have invested in Roads, education and health more than any other previous regime.
They will not stay in power many years in all likelihood but they will leave a legacy which Iranians will one day look back at with gratitude. Infrastructure and development that leaves the country in far better shape than ANY of its surrounding neighbours. And a country that was saved from Saddam and HIS ideas of how to run a country.
Their brutality and heavyhandedness will ensure their demise. Their inability to share with the intelligentsia of the old regime the fruits of power are catastrophic failings. Which is a great pity- because all Iranians whether Regimie or Pre Revolutionary Iranian love Iran passionately and are intensely patriotic.
The future will judge the Revolution as a Classic Socialist Revolution. The overthrow of a Ruling Elite, with the drive to modernise to meet the challenges of the Westernising trends of the world. The Theocracy will pass but they will leave Iran equipped to deal with the modern world without having destroyed the entire cultural system in the process of meeting the modern world.
Edited by Saki