Controversies and Criticisms
Despite his many achievements, Abdul Reza Qutbi was not without his critics. His close relationship with the Pahlavi family, particularly with Farah Diba, led some to question his loyalty and motives. Critics argued that Qutbi’s rise to power was due in large part to his familial connections rather than his merit. Additionally, his willingness to allow leftist and opposition voices on National Television was seen by some as a betrayal of the Shah’s regime.
Ehsan Naraghi, a prominent Persian sociologist, once remarked that Qutbi considered himself a nationalist, but in reality, he was more aligned with leftist ideologies. This perceived contradiction in Qutbi’s political stance led to tensions with the government and ultimately contributed to his downfall. Furthermore, his involvement in the drafting of the Shah’s final speech, which was seen as too little, too late, added to the perception that Qutbi was out of touch with the realities of the revolution.