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Roots of Revolution: An Interpretive History of Modern Iran

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By condensing a religious, political, social, and economic history of Iran, Keddie attempts to explain the causes of the 1978-79 Islam Revolution. The style of writing is impersonal and the vast amount of information given makes reading arduous. Since it is an interpretive history, Keddie gives no opposing viewpoints. This book seems better suited for one who already has knowledge of Iranian history rather than a beginner.

Keddie does a marvelous job of exploring the roots, appeal and cause of the Iranian revolution of '78 - '79. Essentially the argument is made that the repressive and secular Pahlavi regieme, ignoring and even actively repressing Islam caused a backlash that led to its eventual destruction. At the same time, Keddie makes the point that the close ties the pre-revolutionary Iranian government had with the West, and its increasing reliance on it for support only served to increase the popularity of Islam as an alternative.

While radical Islam is a complex issue, and is broader than just the Iranian model, this book is a must for those who seek to understand the mass appeal of it.

this is a very good book if you want to know more about the islamic revolution. Keddie gives us many different reasons to why the revolution could take place.