An insightful political history of the Islamic Republic of Iran – Iran Rising

This 326 page book published on the 40th anniversary of the 1978-79 Iranian revolution gives a useful review of the evolution of Iran over the last four decades.

I find the analysis concise and well put together. Starting from the revolution to the Trump administration’s rejection of the nuclear deal, Saikal takes us on a lively romp through the history of the Iranian Islamic Republic. His portraits of the two spiritual leaders and the five Presidents elected so far are nuanced and highlights the complex interplay between the 2-tier governance structure created by Khomeini.

Only time will tell whether an Islamic theocracy based on religious polyarchy, underpinned by the ideological interplay between jihadi and itjihadi approach, can survive in the face of political and economic blockage by the US and its allies.

I recommend this book for the most up to date political analysis on the Islamic Republic of Iran.

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