In the 1960s and 1970s, Shah Mohammed Reza Pehlevi sought to implement a massive program of social and economic modernization. Though authoritarian in nature, some scholars note that the Shah’s regime still tried to create a political party capable of mobilizing popular support. When this was unforthcoming, however, “his regime relied on arbitrary, personal rule, a ruthless secret police… [and had] no freedom of press or assembly.” Long opposed by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, then in exile in France, with each increasing blunder of the Shah, the force of Khomeini’s powerful speeches grew. The correct answer is Choice B.