Khatami's Iran: The Islamic Republic and the Turbulent Path to Reform (International Library of Iranian Studies) [Hardcover]

Ghoncheh Tazmini (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1845115945 | ISBN-13: 978-1845115944 | Publication Date: June 9, 2009

To understand contemporary Iran’s notoriously complex politics, it is essential first to grasp the monumental changes initiated by Mohammad Khatami. This previously little-known cleric stormed to victory in Iran’s 1997 presidential elections with nearly 70% of the vote, encouraging Iran’s reform movement to flourish during his eight-year tenure as president. Ghoncheh Tazmini’s book offers a thought-provoking, astutely close-up yet systematic analysis of Khatami the man and the reform movement that supported him. She provides us with the first insight into Khatami and his politics, unravelling from the inside the dramatic emergence and consequences of Iran’s vibrant reform movement. Balanced and analytical, this book provides a comprehensive and finely detailed introduction to the subtleties of contemporary Iran’s complex political culture. At the same time, it is an important reference point for a critical period of Iran’s post-revolutionary trajectory, especially given the controversial post-Khatami developments in the country following the election of President Ahmadinejad.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'The Presidency of Mohammad Khatami, from 1997 to 2005, was one of the most important and internationally significant periods in modern Iranian history. Breaking with the rigidities of the revolutionary period, while situating himself firmly with those who wished to consolidate the Islamic Republic, Khatami was a new voice that echoed across his country and the world. In this pioneering and enlightening study, Ghoncheh Tazmini traces the origins and development of Khatami's ideas, evaluates the successes and failures of his Presidency, and sets the scene for what will continue to be a crucial dividing line within contemporary Iran'. - Fred Halliday, author of â Islam and the Myth of Confrontationâ

About the Author

Ghoncheh Tazmini is an Iranian-born independent political analyst who has worked with a number of economic and social research institutes. She holds a doctorate in International Relations from the University of Kent at Canterbury.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Tauris Academic Studies (June 9, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1845115945
• ISBN-13: 978-1845115944
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,394,876 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Read, March 16, 2010

By 

Sarah Forsyth "Avid Reader" (London) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Khatami's Iran: The Islamic Republic and the Turbulent Path to Reform (International Library of Iranian Studies) (Hardcover)

Highly recommended. Theoretically rich, informed and very objectively written. First couple chapters mostly biographical, the next 6 chapters follow with robust analysis, historical coverage. A critical analysis but overall very balanced.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Does not seem to provide new material or insights, January 31, 2010

By 

Baback Nemazie "my_read" (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Khatami's Iran: The Islamic Republic and the Turbulent Path to Reform (International Library of Iranian Studies) (Hardcover)

I have not read the book in its entirety, but based on my reading of the first three chapters and examination of chapter notes and bibliography, little original research is evident. I was also surprised to see none of the other books on the Khatami presidency appear in the references. The short review excerpt by Fred Halliday also seems to indicate that this book is perhaps a good survey book, but does not indicate that new insights are offered. The book is prohibitively expensive, so you may want to to read the copy available in your local public library like I did.