That's what I have been saying. Being brutal to your people does not destabilize your regime. Displeasing the empire does.

For the first time, a revolutionary movement based on Alawite Shi'ism, against foreign domination, internal deceit, the power of the feudal lords and large capitalists, arises in arms for the salvation of the enslaved nation and the deprived masses, led by peasants seven hundred years ago, under the banner of justice and the culture of martyrdom.

And this is the last revolutionary wave of Alawite Shi'ism, Red Shi'ism, which has continued for seven hundred years as the flame of the spirit of revolution, freedom-seeking, justice, leaning towards the people and fighting relentlessly against oppression, ignorance and poverty.

A century later came the Safavids and Shi'ism departed from the great mosque of the masses to become a next door neighbor to the Palace of 'Ali Qapu in the Royal Mosque.

Red Shi'ism changes to Black Shi'ism! The religion of Martyrdom changes to the religion of Mourning.

• Ali Shariati, Red Shi'ism - Black Shi'ism