The 1979 Iran Revolution: How It Happened

Both main trends competing for sway – generally defined as "reformists" and "conservatives" – are struggling with fervor to dictate the policies of a new Iran. While both trends emanated from, and are inter-related to the ruling system, their differences are nevertheless profound. In a nutshell, this is a contest between the initial ideals of the 1979 revolution and the new spirit of the 1997 reform movement.