What is the theme in Shah of Shahs by Ryszard Kapuscinski?

History repeats Itself is a theme to consider. The historical context Kapuscinski establishes conveys a sense that the history of Iran—and to a larger extent, the Middle East—is cyclical. Violence results in revenge, which results in more violence. In this sense, the Shah's oppressive secret police and violation of human rights are just an extension of violence committed by the Shahs before him, as with Agha Mohammed Khan, who orders the entire population of the city of Kerman to be murdered or blinded.