Which development contributed to the difficulties of the second decade after the revolution?

• A. The death of Khomeini and a less charismatic successor
• B. A strong national unity and economic boom
• C. A surge in oil revenue
• D. Peace with Iraq

Answer: (A)

Leadership and legitimacy after a revolution shape stability, especially when a founding figure dies. Khomeini’s death in 1989 removed a unifying, highly charismatic source of authority that the regime relied on to bind various groups together and to legitimize its rule. His successor, Ali Khamenei, lacked that same personal magnetism and leaned more on formal institutions and security power to govern. This shift made it harder to generate broad public support, coordinate among competing factions, and maintain a cohesive political order. The result was increased factional contest, economic pressures from sanctions and post-war reconstruction, and a more fragile political environment—factors that contributed to difficulties in the second decade after the revolution.

By contrast, options suggesting strong national unity and economic booms, or surges in oil revenue, or peace with Iraq would have mitigated difficulties rather than produced them.