Shahram Salehi Zadeh

Have read only the first two chapters, I found that in addition to agonizing experiences one goes through when being interrogated and imprisoned, spy games are usually characterized by the following patterns: incessant accusations, connections made between events, entities, and things, persuasion to engage in espionage activities through pressure… These points have been vividly described by the author. I'd recommend it as a must read to interested readers.

The positive point about the book is that the information provided is extensively supported by evidence obtained from 500 interviews, archives from British, American, and the Soviet's resources. The author has made an attempt to provide an impartial account of the events and deliberations that led to the occurrence of the Islamic revolution in 1997. Thus, I guess it is a must read for those interested in exploring the roots and causes of the 1979 Islamic revolution. The only weak point, trivial one, is that the book might give the impression that the western powers were interested in the future of Iran and that they wanted a democratic Iran developed while their interest was mainly commercial.

The book is appealing in that the author it takes a holistic approach to the analysis of the 1997 revolution. Thus one cannot pinpoint a single reason behind the revolution. In fact, the author emphasizes that the revolution was the result of multiple factors (both external and internal). He discusses a variety of theories based on which revolutions generally could occur. However, by providing evidence, it is concluded that none of theories can solely explain the 1979 Islamic revolution. In addition, the author implies that the raison d'etre of the revolution should be sought within the history of the events that occurred over many years. Therefore, the historical background is also touched upon.