The Eagle and the Lion: The Tragedy of American-Iranian Relations

Rating:
Summary: A MUST-READ
Review: After reading this book, I am amazed that James Bill is not the most sought-after Middle East commentator in America. His analysis of 20th century Iran leading up to the revolution of 1979 is a clear and concise explanation of part of the puzzle that led to the tragedies of 9/11. This is a MUST-READ for anyone who wants to become truly familiar with Iran's tumultuous history and its rocky relationship with the West. As the Bush administration continues to evolve its policy towards this area of the world, it would be wise for officials at the State Department and at the Pentagon to read and absorb the lessons contained in this crucial analysis of US-Iran relations. Again, this is a must-read.

Rating:
Summary: Engaging read with reference-quality scholarship
Review: Far and away the most balanced, well-researched, accurate and thoughtful book on US-Iran relations. Excellent psychographical backgrounds of the key players.

Rating:
Summary: MUST BE READ BY ALL DIPLOMATES AND MIDDLEASTERNS
Review: I was glued to this book. This book must be taught as a textbook to political scientists and US diplomats. This book also documents 30 years of Iranian and US history, which is not talked about or taught in both USA and Iran. 1940's to 1970's events in Iran are explained with amazing clarity.

Rating:
Summary: A MUST-READ
Review: James Bill's impressive background and knowledge has resulted in a history and analysis of the relationship between Iran and the US that is a must read for anyone who wishes to understand the hostility of the last two decades. It is insightful, thorough and well written. The documentation is extensive and makes the book an excellent resource.

Rating:
Summary: Beyond Fact and Behind the Scenes
Review: When I first had Professor Bill at the College of William and Mary, I rolled my eyes at the fact that one of the books for my Middle Eastern Politics class was written by him. I always question the motives of a professor that teaches his own book. As the class progressed and he divulged more stories of his amazing life (which unfortunatly could not be reproduced in a book like this one) I started to wonder if his book could possibly be half as interesting as the class

I opened The Eagle and the Lion with high hopes and they were exceeded. The writing style flowed nicely and while some scholarly books get weighed down in the jargon of the field and an uptight writing style that permiates academia, Bill's book can be read by the scholar and the layman alike. It was a view I had never heard before, the view that we had to take a lot of the blame for the Iranian Revolution and the taking of hostages in Iran. Not popular views for even today. Yet each assertion made is meticulously documented, each bias or jump in conclusion prefaced by a warning. In these times particularly, when we are faced with more troubles in the middle east, it is worth reading.