Iran Celebrates Ayatollah Khomeini's Triumphant Return 31 Years Ago

Iran was awash in celebration on Monday, marking 31 years since the late Ayatollah Khomeini returned from exile to lead the revolution that ousted the Shah of Iran. Festivities will continue until February 11th: the anniversary of the Shah’s fall. Khomeini remained in power until his death in 1989. Khomeini was also the power behind the 1979 kidnapping of U.S. Embassy personnel in Tehran, arguably contributing to the downfall of another leader: President Jimmy Carter. The Americans were held for 444 days and released only as Ronald Reagan became president. The anniversary celebrations come as the country is embroiled in the worst political unrest it has seen since the days of the Ayatollah.

Source: The Media Line.
Link: http://www.themedialine.org/news/news_mideast_daily.asp?Date=02/02/2010&category_id=8.