Jimmy
on July 10, 2025
8 views
Oriana Fallaci was one of the last great journalists to interview an Iranian despot, in her case Ayatollah Khomeini. Unlike Tucker, Fallaci actually showed some integrity and courage
The year was 1979, the interview took place in the Iranian holy city of Qom (not via Zoom lol). Fallaci, forced to wear a chador, started off by calling Khomeini a "dictator" — to his face.
FALLACI: "Forgive me if I insist, Imam Khomeini. I meant that today, in Iran, you raise fear, and many people call you a dictator. The new dictator, the new boss. The new master. How do you comment on that? Does it sadden you, or don't you care?"
But that wasn't all. Fallaci challenged Khomeini on the chador, noting that, wearing one, women can't even do something as simple as swim. Khomeini thundered back furiously.
KHOMEINI: "Our customs are none of your business. If you do not like Islamic dress, you’re not obliged to wear it because Islamic dress is for good and proper young women."
Fallaci being Fallaci, she took the dictator at his word, despite the obvious risk to her safety – and her freedom.
FALLACI: “That’s very kind of you. And since you said so, I’m going to take off this stupid, medieval rag right now."
Fallaci ripped it off. Scandalized, Khomeini sprung up "like a young cat" and fled the room. Interview over. (He came back the next day for round 2!)
Now that, friends, is journalism.
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