Customer Reviews

The Rise of Nuclear Iran: How Tehran Defies the West

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This was not just an brilliantly informative book. It was an exciting read. But that excitement was peppered by moments of shock, fury and a sense of betrayal. That is because this is a ride through an insidious cover-up - the story of how Iran outwitted, outmaneuvered and utterly eluded Western diplomats - alongside a much more worrying story: how a regime of holy warriors reached the point where today, they're poised to get the bomb. We get deep inside the thinking behind Iran's two-pronged strategy: deceive and distract international monitors and diplomats, and attain nuclear power at all costs. No punches are pulled: Ahmadinejad and his regime are portrayed in his own words and exhortations, and in behind-the-scenes revelations, as the leader Western minds weren't built to understand. He is utterly driven by ideological, utopian visions, a leader for whom past paradigms of deterrence and cost-benefit analysis don't apply, and engagement would be equally useless. After reading this book, I take Iran much more seriously, and at its word. And I look back with shame, and outrage, at what our own leaders have done in the past - and concern that they're about to repeat the same mistakes. Mr. President, and all the rest of my fellow news-minded Americans, read this first!

The Rise of Nuclear Iran: How Tehran Defies the West could not have been published at a better time. Policymakers and ordinary citizens will benefit from reading this fact-filled study of the origins of Iran's nuclear program, its ultimate goals, and its challenges to America and the world. Dr. Gold's evidence erases all doubts about whether Iran's theocracy has any prohibitions about using nuclear weapons: They do not. His book also documents the failures of the West in engaging this regime. Dr. Gold demonstrates how the Iranians have perfected the use of time consuming diplomatic engagements to buy time to achieve their quest for nuclear weapons.

This book incorporates the history of Iran and its nuclear program from its beginnings under the Shah to the current political upheavals within the country. It is very informative on many levels. It provides readers with valuable information about the historical and religious forces that must be understood if the West is going to effectively deal with this nuclear threat. Dr. Gold also makes it abundantly clear that if Iran attains nuclear weapons it will enhance the positions of terrorists groups like Hezzbolah. It will provide them with a nuclear umbrella that will likely lead them to become even more adventuresome.

Dr. Gold is clearly an expert on this subject and an engaging writer who takes a potentially dry topic and turns into a fascinating page turner. Readers of his best-seller Hatred's Kingdom: How Saudi Arabia Supports the New Global Terrorism will have enjoyed and benefited from a similar experience.

I highly recommend The Rise of Nuclear Iran: How Tehran Defies the West to anyone interested in learning more about one of the greatest challenges we face.

Dore Gold has done it again! In this well-researched and brilliantly written book, Ambassador Dore Gold explains why it is absolutely essential to the global security of the world that Iran not be allowed to get the bomb. He explains how a nuclear Iran will give a global umbrella for terrorists to act with impunity.

Ambassador Gold also clearly explains why the Obama Administration's policy of engagement with Iran is completely wrong. Iran has a long history of taking advantage of European engagement by buying itself more and more time to pursue their ultimate goal: a nuclear bomb. They engage in "diplomatic duplicity" by promising one thing to the west while doing the complete opposite.

Ambassador Gold debunks the theory of many intellectual elites who think that the world can live with a nuclear Iran. This is simply wishful thinking. Time is running out. The greatest threat the western world has faced in decades is about to emerge.

Ambassador Gold's position is well documented and well worth reading. More importantly the west had better take head of his message! I strongly recommend buying this book.

This is a very timely written book on the Iranian dilema we all face, not just little Israel. As time progresses and the western powers dither and talk, Iran laughs and works overtime on preparedness for war. Given the hostile character and nature of the ruling Islamic theocratic religious system, manifested by open proclaimation, we have no excuse to be ignorant; we must not be found sleeping at the watch. Only a handfull of people recognized the terrible gravity of the Nazi beast in 1936 when they were showing their true colours to the world. How many in this present hour, especially leaders, recognize the deadly nature of the Iranian threat poised to be unleashed upon the world if it is not soon stopped!

This book has opened my eyes further about the shocking history of the US and Iranian relations over the past twenty plus years. I never realized how evil men could be so deceptive in such a way as to sideslip all our "modern" intelligence agencies we have. They appear to continue to this day. I was glad to see that the book runs right up to current events happening this past summer (2009). It will curdle your blood and make you want to strangle some diplomatic necks for sure! Our current administration needs to read this finely researched book and take some lessons.

The threat of a nuclear Iran is closer and more dangerous than is popularly thought, and New York Times author Dore Gold examines the rising nuclear crisis that Iran pose to the West. From failed diplomatic engagements with Iran to disastrous consequences a nuclear Iran would pose to world stability, this details Iranian participation in covert international operations and maintains time is running out. Any political collection focused on world affairs needs this.

This could not be more timely. It is certainly commentary and analysis you will never see on the so-called mainstream media. It puts any negotiations with Iran into perspective and discounts any sincere attempts to improve relations with Iran through the United Nations. Instead of dealing with the current situation solely from a political standpoint, it provides keen insights into the strategies being deployed by a theocratic driven regime to launch the country into the nuclear band of countries capable of annihilating their arch enemy, Israel. All for their intent of hastening the 12th Imam. Whether or not you agree with everything written in the book, you will come away with a new perspective and an appreciation for the history of Iran over the last three decades.

After reading his last book, The Fight for Jerusalem I expected to have my eyes opened. Once I started reading this book I realized that was an understatement. Anyone that has an opinion about world politics should read this book. People need to be made aware of the potential catastrophe. I could not put the book down, it was a great read, backed up by facts and it had a profound impact on my thinking. I told everyone I know to read this book and I hope that everyone in the political sphere of influence does the same.

Look, the book is an excellent work. Backed and supported by thorough research and end notes. Ambassador Gold seems to understand the Iranian mindset and history full well but here is my big problem with the book (that may not have much to do with the nuke issue) and it is the fact that Mr. Gold repeatedly points to the so-called 'Occupation' of three islands in the Persian gulf. No, they are not occupied. They are part of Iran. Have always been and will always be. Remember that Saddam also used this bogus claim to attack Iran in 1980. (Unless Amb Gold wants to support Saddam's view then I dont know why he constantly talks about it in his book). And the current government did not take these islands back. The government of the late Shah of Iran took the custody of these previously Iranian owned islands back from UK in early 1970s. So why should an excellent analyst and author beat this useless drum in his book? I have no clue... I wish he hadn't and that's why this book gets a 3 star rating from me. 3/5

It is difficult to read, but I'm struggling through it: I received
a book after it, (My enemy my brother, by Hanna Shahin) and I've chosen to read it first, but then I plan to resume reading The Rise
of Nuclear Iran: I'm sure I'll find it worthwhile.