Promotional Information

"Dr. Mattair has written a superb, insightful work that thoroughly lays out the issues, history, and options regarding our relationship with Iran. It is a must-read for those interested in this critical problem and for those decision-makers who will decide our course of action." -- General Anthony C. Zinni, USMC (Ret.), Former Commander in Chief, U.S. Central Command from 1997 to 2000 and former Special Envoy to Israel and the Palestinian Authority in 2001-2002 "Thomas Mattair's volume on Iran is a valuable addition to the shelf of anyone seeking to understand the perplexing policy issues involving that country. Mattair provides, in a concise package, a wealth of information that is essential background for addressing those issues. The policy implications he extracts are on the mark." -- Paul R. Pillar, Visiting Professor, Georgetown University, Former Deputy Director of the CIA's Counterterrorist Center from 1997 until 2000 and former chief National Intelligence Officer for the Near East and South Asia from 2000 until 2005. "This is a remarkably timely book-a meticulously researched and highly readable benchmark study of Iran that will reward readers with a comprehensive understanding of the major questions arising from Iran's past and present interactions with the United States and other major powers in the Middle East, culminating in a very fairly presented, but sobering discussion of current American policy options." -- The Honorable Chas. W. Freeman, Jr., President, Middle East Policy Council, former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia from 1989 to 1992 and former Assistant Secretary of Defense in 1993-1994

Table of Contents

Foreword Preface 1.The History of Iran 2.Iran Under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi 3.The Foreign Policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran 4.The World and the Islamic Republic 5.Contemporary Dilemmas 6.Conclusion Biographical Profiles Chronology of Events Documents Glossary Selected Bibliography Index

About the Author

Thomas R. Mattair is an independent scholar based in Washington, DC. He has published, lectured, and served as a consultant throughout the United States and the Middle East. He has also served in senior positions at the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research in the United Arab Emirates and at the Middle East Policy Council in Washington. Mattair began his career as Professor at Kent State University, the University of Southern California, and Cornell University.

Reviews

This volume in the 'Global Security Watch' series makes an excellent attempt to explain the reasoning behind the foreign policy decisions of the Iranian leadership, and those of its neighbors and major world powers that have contributed to the current state of affairs…This work is a must read for policy makers, Middle East scholars and students, and those wishing to have a better understanding of the US's relationship with Iran…Includes biographical profiles, a chronology, glossary, and pertinent documents…Highly recommended. Upper-level undergraduates and above in history and political science.
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