Takeyh's "Hidden Iran" provides important insights on a complex subject

books:

	• Hidden Iran: Paradox and Power in the Islamic Republic Ray Takeyh Holt Paperbacks, 2007 - 272 pages average customer review:based on 7 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Takeyh's "Hidden Iran" provides important insights on a complex subject

Ray Takeyh's "Hidden Iran" is a wonderful book that will help everyone understand the many forces shaping Iran's internal cultural and political situation and world facing relations. In particular, I have better understanding of Iran's nuclear intentions as well as its perspectives on the U.S. and Israel, which gives me hope that over time Iran will takes its place as one of the leading nations on a regional and international stage.

Very good book.

This was a little slow going for me at first, but as I went on I found it quite compelling. Takeyh does a great job of enumerating the several policy issues effecting both the United States and Iran with historical and cultural perspective, and void of the vitriolic rhetoric that is common on both sides of this discussion.

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Recommending a New U.S. Approach to Iran

In this book, the author attempts to recommend a new diplomatic, economic and political approach for the United States' dealings with Iran.

Before making his recommendations, the author does a fabulous job of reviewing the ideology of the Khomeini era - and the baggage that both Americans and Iranians have dealt with since the Iranian Revolution.

He then discusses the conservatives, pragmatists, and reformists that have evolved in Iranian politics since Khomeini's death, telling us of their differing views on how the Iranian government should operate and as well as how Iran should interact with the international community.

Next he discusses how Iran interacts differently with various countries in the Middle East depending on their strategic importance and geographical location.

Additionally, the author discusses the history of Iranian-US relations and how each side has missed opportunities to better relations because of the animosity built during this history.

Finally, the author goes into detail on the three major issues that need to be resolved between the US and Iran - the Iranian nuclear program, Iraq, and Iran's support to terrorists.

In the end, I think the author does a great job of bringing all of this information and analysis together to provide excellent recommendations for future US-Iran relations and negotiations. These recommendations need to be understood and debated by all concerned citizens and politicians.

Overall - a must read for anyone interested in U.S. Middle Eastern policy.

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Good Primer

This book would be good for someone who wants to start from scratch and get a relatively objective, non-judgmental overview of the socio-political status of Iran. The author is not a great writer but he is very good at conveying facts cleanly and efficiently. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to gain a basic understanding of Iran and its relationship with its neighbors and the west.

A timely book

Takeyh presents a sophisticated picture of how Iran sees the world and how the world sees Iran. There is useful history here, but most interesting here is discussion of Iran's regional ambitions and game plan for getting what it wants.

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reviews: page 1, 2

?Savvy and accessible . . . A shrewd, timely guide to Iran?s schisms, interests and ambitions.??The Washington Post Book World In Hidden Iran, leading Middle East expert Ray Takeyh demystifies the Iranian regime and shows how this pivotal country?s internal conflicts have produced its belligerent international posture, especially toward the United States. With President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad pushing the development of a nuclear program, making a play for regional preeminence, and stirring up anti-Israel sentiment, the consequences of not understanding Iran have never been higher. Takeyh explains why this country continues to confound American expectations and offers a new paradigm for managing our relations with this rising power?at a time when getting Iran right has become increasingly urgent for America.

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