Plans for a Homecoming

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First, he felt that too many of his supporters—hundreds, in fact—were wastefully engaged in protecting him. Second, he wanted to demonstrate to the world that the resistance was strong enough to organize an escape from a military base in a military plane. Third, he felt he had to be more cautious in order to be ready for the tumultuous events that he believes are coming in Iran in the next few weeks. Banisadr argues that the majority of the people are still loyal to him, citing what he calls a dismally low turnout at the recent presidential election. Finally, he wanted to dramatize his conviction that it is not what he regards as minor groups, like that of former Prime Minister Shapour Bakhtiar, who can replace the Khomeini regime. He feels, naturally enough, that only Banisadr can do the job.