The Status of the Principle of Political Honesty in the Combat Style of Imam Khomeini (RA)

Different political schools can offer various remarks regarding the position of conflict between political interests and adherence to honesty. If honesty conflicts with national interests and public welfares, lying is considered normal, and even necessary according to some ideologies. However, in some schools, lying, deceptions and playing tricks are contrary to the prosperity in the hereafter and in the divine strategy, and are forbidden even in cases of conflict. Naturally, resorting to “Taghiyyeh”, “Toorieh”, and playing tricks in the time of confrontation with the enemy, which are recommended in some religious texts as permissible deeds, cannot be considered as a violation of this decree; rather, it should be considered as an exception to the rule or must be withdrawn from the subject. The study of Imam Khomeini’s political life and his views in different circumstances of the movement shows that commitment to honesty and moving on the path of trustworthiness and righteousness were permanent principles in his life and personality. He never neglected these principles in any of the critical cases because of his interest or expedience.