Question

in iraqi history, the shias have been both politically impotent and economically depressed. beginning in the sixteenth century, when the ottoman sultans favored their iraqi coreligionists in the matter of educational and employment opportunities, the shias have been denied political power. thus, although the shias constitute more than 50 percent of the population, they occupy a relatively insignificant number of government posts.
it was the 1979 islamic revolution in iran, however, that transformed shia dissatisfaction with the baath the arab socialist party into an organized religiously - based opposition.
based on the text, how did the experiences of shia muslims in iraq affect their role after the islamic revolution in iran?
a. the shia muslims religious devotion led them to oppose the establishment of secular rule.
b. the shia muslims involvement in political rule kept them loyal to the existing government.
c. the shia muslims history of inferior treatment led them to support efforts to replace the existing government.
d. the shia muslims poverty led them to focus on economic rather than political change.
\historical setting\ by mark lewis, iraq: a country study edited by helen chapin metz, 1990, library of congress, federal research division

Explanation:

The text states that Shias in Iraq had been politically impotent and economically depressed, denied political power despite being a majority. The 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran transformed their dissatisfaction with the Baath - Party into an organized religiously - based opposition. This implies their history of inferior treatment led them to support efforts to replace the existing government.

Answer:

C. The Shia Muslims' history of inferior treatment led them to support efforts to replace the existing government.