Modern Iran: Roots and Results of Revolution

Rating:
Summary: One of the better books about Iran
Review: I found this to be one of the better books about Iran. It is detailed and provides insights many authors do not give. Nikki Keddie knows Iran better than most authors who have recently been published and disputes many of their findings with good reason. The book is heavy on the financial aspects of Iran and sees that as a major motivational factor regarding the revolution. Its one fault may be that to some degree fails to see the power of religion and tries to fit everything into a secular, rational, financial way of thinking rather than the emotional and reactionary responses religion can bring. It is a must read if you are truly interested in the history of Iran to the present day.

Rating:
Summary: One of the better books about Iran
Review: I found this to be one of the better books about Iran. It is detailed and provides insights many authors do not give. Nikki Keddie knows Iran better than most authors who have recently been published and disputes many of their findings with good reason. The book is heavy on the financial aspects of Iran and sees that as a major motivational factor regarding the revolution. Its one fault may be that to some degree fails to see the power of religion and tries to fit everything into a secular, rational, financial way of thinking rather than the emotional and reactionary responses religion can bring. It is a must read if you are truly interested in the history of Iran to the present day.

Rating:
Summary: Informative but too general
Review: I like the book by Keddie, but she has stopped short talking about Iran's role in international terrorism. She has devoted only three paragraphs about Islamic Republic's actions in terrorising most of the world. She also says that Iranians believe this myth that the United States under Carter's Administration brought the revolution to Iran. This is not a myth Prof. Keddie, the Carter administration with the help of its Europeans allies brought Khomeini to Iran. Today we are witnessing the same compliance and appeasment by former national security advisor to Carter. Please be little more accurate and try to present reality as it appears.