Inside Iran: The Real History and Politics of the Islamic Republic of Iran

by Medea Benjamin

In 1979, the Iranian Revolution brought a Shia theocracy to the 80 million inhabitants of the Middle East’s second largest country. In the decades since, bitter relations have persisted between the U.S. and Iran. Yet how is it that Iran has become the primary target of American antagonism, when Saudi Arabia, a regime that is even more repressive, remains one of America’s closest allies?

In the first general-audience book on the subject, Medea Benjamin elucidates the mystery behind this complex relationship, recounting Iran’s history from the pre-colonial period, through the CIA-engineered coup that overthrew the country’s democratic leadership in 1953, to its emergence as the one nation Democrats and Republicans alike regularly unite in denouncing. Benjamin draws upon her firsthand experiences with Iranian politicians, activists, and everyday citizens to provide a deeper understanding of the complexities of Iranian society and the nation’s role in the region.

Tackling the contradictions in Iran’s system of government, its religiosity, and its citizens’ way of life, Inside Iran makes short work of the inflammatory rhetoric surrounding U.S.-Iranian relations, and presents a realistic and hopeful case for the two nations’ future.

Genres: Iran, Politics, History, Nonfiction, Middle East

256 pages, Paperback

Published May 18, 2018

About the author

Benjamin grew up in Long Island, New York, a self-described "nice Jewish girl." During her freshman year at Tufts University, she renamed herself after the Greek mythological character Medea. She received master's degrees in public health from Columbia University and in economics from The New School.

Benjamin worked for 10 years as an economist and nutritionist in Latin America and Africa for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Health Organization, the Swedish International Development Agency, and the Institute for Food and Development Policy. She spent four years in Cuba, and has authored three books on the country.

In 1988 with Kevin Danaher, her husband, and Kirsten Moller, Benjamin co-founded the San Francisco-based Global Exchange, which advocates fair trade alternatives to what she describes as corporate globalization. She is a co-founder of the left-wing feminist anti-war group Code Pink: Women for Peace, which advocated an end to the Iraq War, the prevention of future wars, and social justice. Benjamin has also been involved with the left-wing anti-war organization United for Peace and Justice.

Reviews

[Leila Gharavi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think Benjamin’s book is rather a “what I think Iran is” article, than a book whose author has done a great deal of research about the topic she’s describing. As an Iranian, I must say the book contains many mistakes. I bring two examples:
1. Iranian women put lots of makeup on their faces to fight with government? Seriously?! If Benjamin has heard this lame excuse from a bunch of girls sitting in a cafe, she should have better known that this does not make it a sociopolitical FACT. Using lots of makeup is one of the many consequences of compulsory Hijab, but it’s never considered as a way of opposition.
2. How can the author ignore the fact that Abolghasem Kashani was the main lever in 1953 coup? Although Benjamin writes about the “mob that was paid with American dollars”, she does not say a word about Kashani who betrayed Iran and Iranians. If she’s ever been to Iran as she says, she must have encountered the fact that most of Iranian people know Kashani as a traitor and hate the fact that one of the streets in many cities of Iran is named after him. Kashani backed down in a critical time and after the coup, he called Mosaddegh a traitor and even declared that Mossadegh was suffering from “a kind of madness”! He even acknowledges that Mosaddegh did nothing for his country. Writing about “inside Iran” and leaving this fact out? This is neither what honesty means nor precise research is, in historiography.

[Ilana · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is an unhappy mixture between trivia probably gathered through various contacts with well-chosen by the authorities people in Iran and some 'truths' she was assigned to deliver. Overall, a no-go from the academic/scientific point of view, unfortunatelly. The author pretends that her book presents 'The Real History and Politics of the Islamic Republic of Iran' but it is rather a Wikipedia-kind of presentation that includes more than one non-sourced affirmation such as 'Reza Shah was hated by most Iranians (...)'. (It might be true or not, no idea, but a scientific source was not offered to the inquisitive reader.) Most probably there are many more reliable books about Iran - including written by non-Iranian authors - that are more balanced and informative. They should not be 'real' or 'unreal', just pursuing a scientific approach and avoiding at any price any kind of bias.
Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Skylar BB · Rating 1 out of 5]

A hypocrite is all I can say. (or maybe "spin-doctor in favor of Iran's regime" is a more technical and suitable word for her.)
The author is in good ties with the Islamic regime of Iran; a system that suppresses, tortures and hangs its own citizen. She even appeared in state media of Iran, badmouthing America and Saudis.

For more information about the content of the book please read the comments I put below.

[Carlos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great unbiased book of the history and politics of Iran. Even though it’s not a really dense work it’s highly recommended for those who want to get familiar with the Islamic republic.

[caitlyn]

the school reading never ends

[Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great overview of Iran's history, and a must read in today's political climate.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great crash course on modern Iranian history and politics. Written by anti-war activist and former Green Party candidate Medea Benjamin, who also happens to be a founder of CodePink, an international women-lead anti-war group. I found her explanations to be levelheaded when it came to describing US-Iran relations. As a second-generation Iranian-American growing up with both cultures, I had always been intrigued but shied away from exploring why the two nations’ relations had been so hostile. As a youth, I did not pursue studies in politics or international relations or anything like that, just had grown up with the same headlines in the news like everyone else. As I grew older I reconnected with my heritage, and began to want to know more about my parents’ home country and the politics and history that they left behind when they immigrated to the United States long ago. I read this book in preparation for a trip to Iran, not to become an expert in these politics and international issues, but to better understand the people of Iran. The last page had me tearing up - if only we could sit at a table and enjoy a meal together, focusing on our shared humanity rather than on animosities.

[Cameron Ashtiani-Eisemann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good contrast to Iran's Grand Strategy which was a lot more about politicial self perception and navigation of events. This had lots of statistics and framed events from a third person perspective (non-persian author) but still covers a lot of angles and relationships between middle eastern countries. The US is without a doubt an evil todler with the biggest poopy diaper and the demonization is completely manufactured. Seeing how events have unfolded by the end of 2025 this book aged well and explains why this happened very clearly and obviously. The only one who can still be discombobulated about Iran's right to resistance must be eating a hell of a ton of US/Israel/west propaganda and not be capable of harboring critical thought. Its not even that deep. Just look at the events listed in this book. Iran has always prefered peace and diplomacy while the true axis of evil wants capitulation for Iran and control of the levant. Literally to take a slice out of west asian nations, and their resources and their people. The effects have been disastrous and one of the saddest things in the world today. But evil finds a way to make even more calamity start. It seems wars against palestine and arab countries and Iran will not become less.

[Spanjd09 · Rating 1 out of 5]

First, this is far from the real anything. I wanted a book about Iran and it's history and current condition. Instead I am reading a op Ed from a author who hates the United States and Isreal. Not sure I will be able to finish it, as she states things as being fact, when they are not. She starts by telling us the Ayatollah is in charge and runs Iran. But now she only mentions what the president's of the country have tried to do.

If you want to save your money, I can sum this book up...Iran has tried to be the United States' friend, but we don't want to be theirs and Israel won't let's us either.

I wasn't looking for a opinionated view, just a history.

Update: I barely finished it. After she explains hierarchy of Iran's government and that the Ayatollah runs the country (not really a secret). She never mentions him again. Like he doesn't exist. Like he doesn't have a say.

While she did discuss the history of Iran, quite honestly I don't think I believe a word she says. If I fact checks 10 things, she was incorrect in 9 of them.

Will never buy another book from this author. Stay away.

[Andre Stone · Rating 2 out of 5]

The title is enough to tell you that the book is not necessarily a thoroughly researched book but rather a political history viewed through the lens of one individual. However, I think it does an okay job of explaining the rift between Iran and the West.

I'm rating the book lower because despite having a book about one country, you leave not really knowing anything about Iran the country at all other than how outsiders might view it in overly simplistic terms. The book feels like a collection of essays, but it's clear no one ever proofread or bothered to edit duplicate information. Also it treats all Iranians without any nuances. This is a large and diverse country, but the author continually insists, "all Iranians think and feel this one way." It is just irresponsible and lazy to paint everyone with such a broad brush just to try to reinforce your opinion.

[Gary Gomes · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the book has single authorship (single perspective) I found it it be well researched and full of useful information that furthered my knowledge of Iran, it's history and how it has got to where it is. Not surprising to me but useful informaiton, showing in how many ways the Iranian people have so much in common with many who would think they are the polar opposite or so different from them. A perspective driven by conservative forces in both Iran and the U.S. seeking discourse. Iran is clearly one of the more modernized counrties of the Middle East compared to places like Saudi Arabia with a large young population that are far from religious fanatics.

[Justin Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

A worthy project, but not much fun to read--more like an extended wikipedia page than a book. Perhaps this is what policy types are used to, but I was hoping for something a bit more narrative and a bit more academic. I award three stars because this really is a case of my having the wrong expectations, and some crazies have given the book one star because... well, because they're exactly the kind of people who think Iran is an existential threat to human civilization, and whose minds Benjamin seeks to change. But I didn't enjoy it, or get anything out of it, at all.

[Kyle Reeves · Rating 3 out of 5]

An acceptable overview of the history of modern-day Iran, but it remains far from a complex analysis of the region. The text seems to jump between discussions of the government structure, resistance movements, and individuals' daily lives, but without developing any significant nuanced discussion on any one of these elements. The book felt more like a regurgitation of facts intermingled with her own policy opinions. This book could surely provide a broad survey to Iran, but it is certainly not the one-and-only resource on Iranian politics.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very balanced presentation of an incredibly complex and rich culture and national identity. I have much greater empathy for the people after reading it but also complete bewilderment for how Iran will develop and emerge from its suppressed state.
There is obviously so much potential for Iran but way too many influencers and antagonists both international and domestic to imagine them ever being able to fulfill any of it. Heart breaking situation with no clear path to resolution.

[Montana Goodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is exactly the book I needed to understand the basics of Iranian history and culture. Medea Benjamin does such a beautiful job of both being truthful, even about contradictions, and illustrating the heart of the Iranian people as they are now. A must read for anyone in the United States today.

[SAAD SHAUKAT · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very summarized context of Iran starting from the historical perspective till the current Islamic Republic...
Small Book and a way to learn a lot about Iran.
Could have been better if it touched the aspects of Iran's proxies and how they're being dealt.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!

[Tariq Aziz · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting history of Iran, realistically analyzing causes of current state and how to avert them. Not biased towards West neither towards Iran.

[Zubair Ashraf · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is quite informative when it comes to Iran’s History and the present day govt esp since the 1979 revolution. A bit of Iran’s culture, a bit of its internal issues, relations with neighbours and other countries. But, the author has focused the energy on US-Iran relations with everything circulating around them. The title could’ve been Inside Iran; The history of US-Iran relations.
Half way through the book id realise it resembles like state sponsored propaganda (surprised if Iran can do that through a foreign journalist, writer).
Yes, Iran has been a target of sanctions (cruel) and wars (devastating), but what of its own meddling in affairs of other countries and keeping ties with certain armed groups or rebel entities, or even encouraging cross border terrorism.
Would like the author to shed some light on that too some day?