His belief in the primacy of Sharia-based government in Muslim countries further complicates the understanding of his stance on democracy.Khomeini positioned himself as a champion of Islamic revival and unity, emphasizing common Muslim issues such as the fight against Zionism and imperialism while downplaying sectarian differences. Despite publicly advocating for Islamic unity, accusations have surfaced regarding his private views on Sunni Islam and his purported anti-Sunni foreign policy. Influenced by figures like Sayyid Qutb, Khomeini’s political strategy blended religious ideology with populist rhetoric, earning him praise as a politically astute leader with immense popularity.