If We want to stay strictly academic Soroush is right.
Khomeini had far more "education" than Shah or really than any other Shah we have had (that i can point recall).
Of course Soroush is not an idiot he knows that people interpret this as a political statement not strict academic discussion.
I am more interested to learn a lesson from this whole controversy
There is this common misconception among iranians "if education then good". (this is basic fallacy that is pointed out in first week of a logic class)
Education/Wisdom is certainly a necessary ingredient to be a good leader (in any organization), however it is not sufficient.
Third Reich, Communist party of China the Politburo all were and are filled with highly educated individuals ( in class sense).
to be an outstanding leader with transformational results you need match many parameters ( here is some).
Luck, Courage, Charisma, above average intellect, Managerial skills, Education,Empathy/ruthlessness modulation, well grounded (a person of wisdom. or rounded person as churchil called it.)
we can certainly go down the list of iranian leaders and grade them on this. ( of course people are gone differ on this)
Mosadegh
luck: NO
Courage: Yes
Charisma : Yes
intellect: Yes
Managerial skills: lean no
Education: Yes
Empathy: Yes
Well Grounded: Yes
Khomeini
Luck: Yes
Courage: Yes
charisma: yes
intellect: yes
Managerial skills: mostly yes
Education: Mostly Yes
Empathy: Hell no
well grounded : No
Reza shah
Luck: Yes and then NO
Courage: Yes
Charisma: yes
intellect: YES
Managerial skills: No
Education: No
Empathy: No
Well Grounded: Yes
Mohmmad Reza Shah
Luck: Early on Yes. Late no
Courage: No
charisma: No
intellect: Yes
Managerial skills:No
Education: lean toward no
Empathy: Yes
Well Grounded: Yes
People are far too attached to Figures.