Reign Of The Ayatoll

by Shaul Bakhash

This scholarly dissection of the Islamic Revolution in Iran is mostly concerned with its domestic issues. Iran's foreign affairs in this period are addressed only to the extent that they played important roles in domestic power contests. (although I think that reading this book will greatly enhance your understanding of such accounts). Instead, you will find exhaustive examination of internal struggles over land distribution, urban housing and the nationalization of industry and agriculture. Not that Bakhash's concern is solely economic--the book is primarily about political the debates on the constitution, the factional infighting within the party and the government, the endless polarization between "moderates" and "hardliners", the mystifyingly equivocal and minimalist leadership provided by Khomaini. In fact, if there is one flaw in this book (especially given its title), it is that Khomaini's behavior is left unanalyzed and enigmatic in the extreme. No attempt is made to explain his strange political promoting and supporting moderates like Bani-Sadr, and then agreeing publicly with their enemies; stirring up the radical sentiments of the Majles (the legislature), while standing solidly behind the conservative Council of Guardians that sytematically vetoed radical economic legislation; encouraging those who sought diplomatic rapprochement with the West, and simultaneously torpedoing their efforts without warning.

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

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1961

Reviews

[Nick B · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really fascinating book. I wanted to learn more about the Islamic Revolution and this was a very good overview of how it happened and the different forces that were at play in the country leading up to it. It was also good in telling how the processes of the Revolution developed into the Islamic Republic that followed it, and didn't treat the end as a fait accompli, showing some of the different paths that were possible and how varied peoples' expectations were. Well-written and clear, was definitely worth tracking down a copy.

[Joe Ballschneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chapter 6 is entirely dunking on Bani-Sadr and it rocks. Power corrupts.

[Erik]

I just lost interest with this one.

[Evan Buehler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note to self. Still need to read... available on internet archive..

[Sumaiya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book captures the causes and effects of the Iranian Revolution in vast amounts of detail. The shah's desire to address demands of the population resulted in losses and misgivings. With the coming of the Ayatollahs emerged more clashes in culture in society but produced a calmness nonetheless.
Failed economy, cultural disputes, and popular protests characteristic of this period and many other revolutions in history have inspired me to write my paper on the unsolvable problems that have piled up over the decades before, during, and after the revolution. After the revolution a totalitarian Islamic regime developed, supported my some but despised by others. Throughout history, patterns of discontent prevail, leading to wars; disparities only grow bigger; and not everyone can be happy.
The main reason for the Revolution's starting in Iran was the shah's inability to make everyone happy. Even after his rule, Khomeini Ayatollah could not make everyone happy.