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no monarchy, but the rule of Islamic law. The clergy will sit in
council and rule by virtue of its wisdom."
Some of the leftist groups loosely allied with the Moslem zealots
in their opposition to the Shah are worried that the ascendancy of
the Islamic movement might eventually dwarf their objectives of
restoration of basic liberties in the country, resulting in a virtual
church dictatorship. But for the moment, the anti-Shah groups
remain united in their opposition to the monarchy.
The Shah has charged that an "international conspiracy" is trying to
destroy Iran as a bastion of the West and guardian of its oil supplies.
Iran is a major supplier of petroleum to many Western nations. In
addition, she supplies some 30% of Japan's oil needs and virtually
all those of Israel. The fall of the pro-Western Shah could have
dire consequences for these and other countries including the Shah's
main foreign supporter, the United States. It is a situation to
watch closely.
--Gene H. Hogberg, News Bureau