The situation with the Shah is somewhat similar to the situation around the English Civil War in the 17th century. The King was authoritarian, but also a bohem

The situation with the Shah is somewhat similar to the situation around the English Civil War in the 17th century. The King was authoritarian, but also a bohemian. The Roundheads were religious fanatics. They succeeded in overthrowing the Crown and executing the King, but they also turned out to be insufferably religious. After Cromwell died, the population re-invited the deposed monarch's son back, under some conditions. He met those conditions; his successor did not, but was promptly thrown out into exile, because he wasn't able to consolidate enough power anymore. Unfortunately the Iranian population wasn't able to reconsider their choice after Khomeini's death (1989), because the government was much stronger and much more willing to kill. Also because of the Iraq-Iran war.