Patriot of Persia: Muhammad Mossadegh and a Very British Coup

by Christopher de Bellaigue

Paperback

Published January 1, 2013

About the author

Christopher de Bellaigue was born in London in 1971 and has worked as a journalist in the Middle East and South Asia since 1994. His first book, In the Rose Garden of the Martyrs: A Memoir of Iran, was shortlisted for the Royal Society of Literature’s Ondaatje Prize. His latest book is Patriot of Persia: Muhammad Mossadegh and a Tragic Anglo-American Coup. He lives in Tehran with his wife and two children.

Reviews

[Yaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reread this book after the 12 Day War between Iran and Israel. I remembered the book as very negative of Mossadegh. So I was surprised when rereading it that it came off as more of a hagiography.

Still, despite the obvious pro-Mossadegh sentiments of the author, its hard to think that if there was no coup things would be better for Iran.

(1) Mossadegh did use a mob to oust the previous prime minister, rule by decree, and suspend parliament.

(2) Mossadegh and the Shah seemed to have similar goals for modernizing Iran, and the Shah ultimately delivered Mossadeghs goals post-coup. de Bellaigue implies that Mossadegh was more of a democrat and constitutionalist in his heart than the Shah. But doesn't reconcile Mossadeghs democratic sympathies with Mossadeghs rule by decree and suspension of parliament pre-coup.

(3) Mossadegh and the Iranian street seemed to believe that the Pahlavis couldn't get more oil revenue from the British because they were corrupt or weak. But neither Mossadegh or the Ayatollahs were able to get better deals than the Shah. So it seems like the Pahlavis were doing their best with the hand they were dealt.

[Cole Himali · Rating 5 out of 5]

like fantastic, if you have to read a book about Iran in modern era it should be this one!!!