Hidden Iran: Paradox and Power in the Islamic Republic

by Ray Takeyh

A leading expert explains why we fail to understand Iran and offers a new strategy for redefining this crucial relationship
For more than a quarter of a century, few countries have been as resistant to American influence or understanding as Iran. The United States and Iran have long eyed each other with suspicion, all too eager to jump to conclusions and slam the door. What gets lost along the way is a sense of what is actually happening inside Iran and why it matters. With a new hard-line Iranian president making incendiary pronouncements and pressing for nuclear developments, the consequences of not understanding Iran have never been higher.
Ray Takeyh, a leading expert on Iran's politics and history, has written a groundbreaking book that demystifies the Iranian regime and shows how the fault lines of Iran's domestic politics serve to explain its behavior. In Hidden Iran , he explains why this country has so often confounded American expectations and why its outward hostility does not necessarily preclude the normalization of relations. Through a clearer understanding of the competing claims of Muslim theology, republican pragmatism, and factional competition, he offers a new paradigm for managing our relations with this rising power.

Genres: Iran, Middle East, Nonfiction, Politics, History, International Relations, Islam

272 pages, Hardcover

First published October 3, 2006

Reviews

[Sura ✿ · Rating 3 out of 5]

تقيه راي يراجع تاريخ ايران الحديث وعلاقتها بالقوى العالميه (امريكا روسيا فرنسا وبريطانيا )  ودول الجوار (العراق الخليج العربي سوريا ولبنان) ومواقفها المتناقضه من الكيان الصهيوني .

بعد سنوات من الازمات السياسيه والثوره اصبح الحكم في ايران يعتمد مايسمى ب ولايه الفقيه و ان يقوم رجل الدين بالسيطره المباشره على الحكم في الدوله. يخال لمن يرى الوضع ان المرشد الاعلى للثوره الاسلاميه  الخميني  انزل من السماء من عند الله -وليس من طائره فرنسيه- فروح الله متمثله به وهو لا يخطئ ويتوجب على المسلمين ان يتبعوه اتباعا اعمى .
خميني و ورثته مصرين على انهم الوجه الواحد الاوحد للاسلام وكانوا ومايزالون مصرين على فرض  دينهم السياسي على دول الخليج والعالم العربي عموما , ليتحول الى عالم فارسي , هكذا يصبح الدين حين يُسيَس ويتحول الى آله للتسلط والقمع , اضافه الى الجهل والتخلف وهذا مانراه في كل الدول التي تعتمد الحكم الديني . لا اعلم اي حياه مشرفه كانت حياه الخميني ليقضى اخر  8 سنوات من.عمره  في حرب ايران التي قتل فيها ما يقارب المليون ونصف من الطرفين وترك مايفوق المليوني شخص جريحا او معاقا جسديا ونفسيا واعداد هائله من الاسرى اضافه الى الخسائر الماديه ودمار البنى التحتيه .
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"قال حميد رضا طارقي(جمعيه التوافق الاسلاميه) : تستمد شرعيه حكمنا الاسلامي من الله . لن تزول هذه الشرعيه حتى لو كف الناس عن تايدها."


أي اسلام هذا ؟ واين آيتي :
((وامرهم شورى بينهم)) ((وشاورهم في الامر))
من شرعيهم المستمده من الله ومن تهديدهم المبطن هذا !ِ


يشير الكاتب الى امر هام , هو حين يصل شخص سوي الى الحكم بما يفيد مصالح ايران والحكم بالمنطق بعيدا عن الرجعيه ,يسقطه من حوله من ادعياء الدين مثال على ذلك مصدق الذي اغتيل و خاتمي الذي لم يسلم من مؤامراتهم .


"لا تمثل القضيه الفلسطينيه ساحه الجهار الايراني" -علي خامنئي .

اما موقف ايران من فلسطين فهو في منتهى الازدواجيه فقد اشتهرت ايران بدعمها الكلامي لقضيه فلسطين , بالمقابل لا تتدخل فعليا الا بما يخدم مصالحها , خصوصا حين ارادت توجيه ضربه قويه للبنان فقامت باستدراج اسرائيل لحرب لبنان عن طريق حزب الله الذي كان "يدغدغ" الشوارع الاسرائيليه ببعض القنابل الوديه التي تسبب بعض الحفر فيها وبالطبع تسيل دموع مواطن او مواطنين يهودين وبالمقابل ترد اسرائيل ردها العنيف بتدمير الجسود والبنى التحتيه في لبنان وتسيل دماء الضحايا اللبنانين  . اضافه الى مايحدث اليوم بما يتعلق بالملف النووي , فايران تعلن ان من حق اسرائيل امتلاك سلاح نووي , وكذلك اسرائيل تدعم موقف ايران .
كنت مستغربه , وانا اعلم في حديث عن الرسول ان اقتتل المسلمين فان القاتل والمقتول في النار , فكيف للحرب العراقيه الايرانيه ان تستمر كل هذه المده ؟ وكيف استمر احترام الايرانين ل خميني بل وعبادتهم اياه ؟ على النقيض من صدام الذي مقته اغلب العراقين بعد هذه الحرب وما اعقبها من حرب الكويت .
لكن ماهو اسهل من اطلاق عبارات الكفر والزندقه على فريق المسلمين العدو لنبيح الحرب ونريق الدماء.. فقد وصف صدام بالملحد والكافر (كما وصف صدام حسين الخميني بالمومياء) وان حكمه العلماني هو حكم كافر يهدد الحكم الاسلامي .. الخ

واشار الى نقطه حساسه فيمايخص الراي العالمي , استخدم نظام صدام الاسلحه الكيماويه ضد الجيش الايراني , وصرح طارق عزيز وزير الخارجيه الاسبق بكل وقاحه : قضينا على اسرب البعوض بالمبيدات الحشريه . ومع ذلك لم يتدخل الراي العالمي بالعكس مد كلا الجيشين بالاسلحه !فكانت روسيا تدعم ايران وامريكا تدعم العراق والمفارقه المضحكه ان امريكا احتلت العراق بعد اكثر من 20 سنه من هذه الحرب بحجه الاسلحه النوويه وحاكمت صدام على استخدام الاسلحه الكيمياويه !!

لم يعر الكاتب لراي الشارع الايراني ورايهم فيما يدور داخله اهتماما , وهذا ما ينقص الكتاب , وددت ان ارى وضع مواطني ايران فيما يحدث , وغفل عن وضع اكراد وسنه ايران في هذه الحقبه الزمنيه .لكن لا باس ساحتاج لقراءه كتاب اخر

ختاما , و بعيداً عن الكتاب هذا
ان كانت ايران و الحكومه السعوديه تطبق فعلا التعاليم الاسلاميه وتريد مصلحه الانسانيه والتعايش لكنا عشنا في سلام منذ قرون !
لكن حين يقدم الحاكم المصلحه  الشخصيه وطمع السلطه على الدين لا  تصدق مايقوله عن الدين والتدين ومصلحه الشعوب والانسانيه .من المؤسف ان نسبه كبيره من عراقيي وعرب اليوم تبيع وفاءها بارخص الاثمان لدول اخرى فقط لانهم يتبعون نفس المذاهب , مذاهب تكاد لا تشبه الدين الاصلي بشيء!
من يعترض فلينظر  الى هويه اكبر تجار الدعاره في ايران ويقرأ عن قصه حياه المغنيه كَوكَوش. وهويه اصحاب قنوات روتانا ومالكي اضخم البارات وغيرها في الوطن العربي وخارجه .

[Abe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was published in 2006, and 15 years on the situation has indeed changed drastically. It's still informative as a primer to Iranian history, but the developments within Iran (particular Ahmadinijad's controversial reelection and subsequent recycling of seemingly just about every minister he appointed) as well as in Iraq and Syria have complicated things beyond what the author imagined. Such is the nature of books giving policy recommendations in the Middle East.

[Rhesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just get this book from my friend who often visit Kinokuniya in Suria KLCC, just finished reading chapter 1. So far I can say that this book is written in a language style that appeal to everybody, from academicians to curious layman.

Here the author tries to paint a different picture of Islamic Republic of Iran as we've been traditionally perceiving as monolithic pan islamism, but he argues that actually there are many secular forces in Iranian society that play a huge influence in Iranian legal & political system, and in what way this dynamics finds it's expression in strictly religion-based republic is another complexities of Iran.

Therefore within Iranian politics, there are many ideological contestations as well as political pragmatism, to ignore this fact is to what he says "getting Iran wrong", and that was exactly what the previous USA administration had done. To me this book sheds a fresh light into Iranian politics & cultural codes in a fresh way. Highly recommended for middle east enthusiast or curious layman like me.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book analyzes Iranian domestic politics and history to provide the reader with a look at Iran as its people see it. The book challenges much of the conventional wisdom about Iran, but does provide insights not often expressed in Western treatments of the subject. I think the author may have gone overboard in trying to understand the Iranians, to the point where he underestimates their drawbacks, but it is still a unique look at a fascinating but often difficult country.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall an insightful and well researched book that explores and connects the complex nature of Iran politics, the factions that comprise the government, their regional influence and aspirations, and the situation between the US and Iran.

Takeyh's writing is dry at best, so I would not recommend this book unless you are really interested in the Middle East and politics.

Also, some of the analysis is outdated, given the fast-moving nature of the situation in the Middle East.

[Cyrus · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was OK book, covered the main points but most of the statements were pretty general. I didn't learn that much, and it was also boring.

The part I actually enjoyed most and learned the most was the spotlight on Khomeini, his philosophy for the Islamic Republic. Maybe a book that tied some short biographies and studies of events together and let the reader draw conclusions about the general state would've been more engaging than just mostly writing in conclusions.

The book just kind of hit this unfortunate sweet spot that didn't give enough depth for new information for someone with some level of familiarity with Iran, while at the same time too stuffy/unreadable for some who hasn't already become familiar.

[Faisal ElBeheiry · Rating 5 out of 5]

كتاب رائع عن علاقات إيران الدولية بأمريكا و الإتحاد الأوروبي و المؤسسات الدولية، و كذلك الشأن الداخلي الإيراني.

ملخص الكتاب علي هيئة ملف Microsoft Word مرفوعا علي خدمة التخزين السحابي Box.com علي الرابط التالي: https://app.box.com/s/lqe9fbcmlr342yh...

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is informational but not a barrel of laughs or bucketful of entertainment.
However, if you are prepared to wade through it what will you learn.
Well, not a lot actually. Iran is a country run by a corrupt religious elite that supports terrorism and believes it should be a major player in the Middle East and indeed the World. But, it's leadership are so far from suitable for such a role that it's inconceivable that Iran can join the rest of the world given there absolute stance that Israel must be destroyed and that America is the Devil. They use religion to control a populous who one suspects wish that were not the case. However, like all the best dictators, the leadership have spies on the streets and a habit of removing dissenters at home (and abroad) from the scene if it helps their cause. They hold down the majority who would like change, to see Iran become a part of a bigger business world instead of a backward, facing strictly religious (when it suits the leadership) closed supporter of terrorism.
So, to sum it up what you will learn is nothing new! Iran is a beautiful country, full of wonderful people and an amazing history held back by a strict interpretation of Shia Islam on a modern world.

[alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

As of 2015 - this book is lightly out of date due to the election of President Hassan Rouhani in 2013. The book is from 2006.

While it may be 10 years old, it handily describes the internal cultural and social forces which exact pressure on Iranian Guardian Council ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guardian... ), which nevertheless wields vast powers over lawmaking.

Overall, Takeyh provides layers upon layers of context meant for Western audiences who are otherwise unfamiliar with Iranian history, culture, politics, law. RT touches upon, but does not delve into Persian culture and history in the region, but some common themes are explored. For instance, historical rivalries between Persians and their nearby Arab neighbors; the meta-struggle between Shia Muslims (Iran + others) against Sunni Muslims (Saudi Arabia, Iran, and others); clashes between Iranians and Iraqis; oil in Iran and the nearby region (Azerbaijan, S.A., etc); and Iran's relationship to the West (USA; Europe and it's colonial era; Russia; Israel).

One common theme is that of missed opportunities - where Iran and the West could both have taken steps to resolve their deep antagonism.

They still can.

[Will Nassau · Rating 3 out of 5]

good analysis but dry writing.

[Nicki · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this awhile ago and literally don't remember a thing. Doesn't make much of an impression I guess?

[M.J. Javani · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ray Takeyh's "Hidden Iran" is another example of a self proclaimed "Iran expert" with either a complete lack of understanding of the Islamic Republic of Iran or one who purposely misinforms for the benefit of the Iranian regime or himself. Takeyh claims as usual that all of the Islamic Republic's rivals, including the United States, have a "profound misunderstanding" of this regime. As is the norm for such scholars, the claim is made that since Iran holds regular elections, it is not a "rigid authoritarian state." What Mr. Takeyh fails to highlight for the reader is that despite these elections, the unelected Supreme Leader of Iran (Ali Khamenei) has absolute control over the military and intelligence apparatus (i.e. all instruments of repression) which he can use to crush dissent and overturn elections at any time. An example of this was the brutal repression of the Green Movement after rioting that broke out in protest over the re-election of President Mahmood Ahmadinejad on 12 June 2009 (Many Iranians believed the election was rigged by the Supreme Leader in favor of Ahmadinejad).

The author continues with this line of reasoning, stating the Islamic Republic has replaced ideology with national interest calculations in the formulation of its foreign policy. This is an unusual claim given the regime's continued interference in conflicts in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen make much more sense when viewed from the perspective of this proclamation by Ayatollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic "we must try to export our revolution because the superpowers, along with the other great powers, are trying to destroy us. If we are constrained to one region, then we will be defeated eventually."

With respect to nationalism, the author was obviously not aware at the time this book was published (2006) that in August of 2010, the Chief of Staff of the Islamic Republic's military (both Artesh and IRGC), Hassan Firouzabadi, would declare "Ayatollah Khomeini introduced the Islamic school of thought to emphasize the importance of unity among Muslims. Nationalism is an instrument of the imperialists to isolate Iran from the rest of the Muslim world through the use of national identity."

Ray Takeyh, similar to other authors writing on this subject in the West, describe the Islamic Republic's enmity towards the United States and Israel as a classic Westphalian nation state pursuit of self interest. This could not be further from the truth. The Islamic Republic of Iran is not a classic Westphalian nation state. It is however a messianic Shia regime whose raison d'etre is to set the stage for the return of the hidden 12th Shia Prophet, Imam Mehdi. Embedded in the Iranian constitution is the Religious Army clause, which states "the Islamic Republic’s Army, and the Revolutionary Guards have responsibility not only for the safeguarding of the frontiers, but also for a religious mission, which is Holy War (Jihad) along the way of God, and the struggle to extend the supremacy of God’s Law in the world.” (www.iranchamber.com/government/laws/c...)

Despite the fact that Takeyh wants to dismiss the regime's enmity toward the US and Israel as either a misunderstanding or based on rational national interest calculations, the reality is much more complex. The deeper reason for this enmity, and the reason that this regime (and the groups it sponsors) will never pursue peace with the US and Israel is, Shia ideology.

The central struggle in Shia Islam is between the forces of "justice" and "injustice." This battle is played out every year in the Ashura ceremonies which commemorate the battle of Karbala in the year 680 AD. During this battle, Imam Hussein (3rd Shia prophet) was killed by the forces of the Sunni Caliph, Yazid. In Shia ideology, Imam Hussein and his followers represent the forces of justice and the followers of the Caliph Yazid represent evil and injustice. The Islamic Republic of Iran portrays its struggle against the US and Israel as one where the regime plays the role of Hussein (justice) and the US and Israel are Yazid (injustice). In this epic struggle between good and evil, there is no room for compromise until good conquers evil, or in this case, until the Islamic Republic of Iran defeats the US and Israel at some distant point in the future.

This struggle is at the heart of the regime's foreign policy. Until so called "Iran experts" begin to dissect this point for readers, very few will understand why it will be impossible to dissuade the Iranian regime from pursuing its foreign policy in support of its proxies (in opposition to peace). Takeyh seems to be unaware of the fact that American policy toward the Islamic Republic has failed because the regime views itself as locked in a life and death struggle against evil. When viewed in this light, Tehran's policies since 1979 have been strikingly consistent with its ideology. All those who attribute the animosity of this particular regime to US interference in Iran in 1953 or 1979 have ZERO understanding of the Islamic Republic of Iran and its interpretation of Shia Islam.

[Saied Mohammed · Rating 3 out of 5]

كتاب لا بأس به، فكرته ابسط من ان يستهلك ١٦٠ ورقة

[Eric Krestel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and unbiased. Can be a bit wordy at times and long to the point, but overall very educational and eye opening.

[Seyed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once again another self-declared "expert" in Iranian affairs writes a history report about the [not-so:]current Iranian question (don’t know how else to put it,) sans any analysis.

The author has borrowed his material from two distinct sources:
- Con IRI - the Western Media and their mouthpieces
- Pro IRI - the Iranian Media and their mouthpieces

In other words, there is nothing in this book that an average reader who’s interested in the Iranian question and has followed the storylines over-the-years, has not heard or read. Notwithstanding that the author --obviously-- has not set foot in Iran since the 79 revolution (and maybe even earlier,) this is at best --like I said before-- a biased report.

He also uses the word “reactionary” over and over when describing the clergy faction active within the IRI politics, and one wonders why a person with clear rightist tendencies (of the American neocon elk,) would use a Leninist term!

Nevertheless, the book’s relatively well written using a simplistic style not commensurate with the author’s Oxford PhD.

There’s a very original sentence towards the ending of the book which warrants the *** rating (otherwise, it’d be a one at best): “The only constant in Washington politics is the failure to succeed”.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

If the middle east interests you and you believe you need some explanation of Iran and how clerics control a society, then this is a must read. I read this book a couple of years ago and we are still doing the dance with this near rogue country. Many of the things warned about six years ago are coming to pass.

[Isaac · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction to Iranian political history since the revolution. However, it is kind of dry and, in light of recent events in the past few months, is in need of a serious update.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good introduction to internal and external politics in Iran and, more importantly, the driving forces underlying those relationships.

[Renee Blackmon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not an easy read, but great insights into the inner workings of Iranian policy.

[Mohammed Alzawari]

من الكتب التي تشدك ببساطه طرحها وربطها بالاحداث السياسية الحالية ، كتاب ممتع لمن يهتم بالشأن السياسي ككل والشأن الايراني خصوصا .

[Ryan]

Reading it now!