Defying the Iranian Revolution: From a Minister to the Shah to a Leader of Resistance (Textbook Binding)

~ (Author) "Barry Rubin, a fellow at Georgetown University's Center for Strategic Studies, wrote in 1980 that, in 1977, the Shah invited the International Committee of the..." (more)
Key Phrases: supreme religious guide, mullah regime, ruling mullahs, United States, United Nations, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Libraries with Middle East collections...”–Choice

“Dr.Manouchehr Ganji served as Minister of Education in the Shah's cabinet when the regime fell in the Iranian Revolution of 1979....”–Middle East Journal

“[t]he author has published extensively about the reality of life under the dictatorship of the mullahs. This work is his opus magnus on the history of the Iranian revolution, and the gross autocracy that sprang up in its aftermath, paved with lies and unfullfilled promises.”–Middle East Journal

Product Description

The realities of Iranian life are far more harrowing than most people imagine from the outside. Most of the population is under 30 and opposes the cruel and corrupt regime. Ganji stresses that the best defense against terrorism is offense, and that the United States can and must establish a proactive policy of helping Iranians struggling for the freedom of Iran, in and out of the country.

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Product Details

• Textbook Binding: 312 pages
• Publisher: Praeger Publishers (January 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0275971872
• ISBN-13: 978-0275971878
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,755,415 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative and Revealing, February 1, 2003

By A Customer

Defying the Iranian Revolution by Dr. Manouchehr Ganji is the probably the most informative and revealing account of the Iranian Revolution available. This book was truly a joy to read. Dr. Ganji's unbiased and knowledgeable account and analysis of the Iranian Revolution impacted me greatly. I was thinking about the book for weeks after I had read it. Defying the Iranian Revolution presents all of the aspects of the Iranian Revolution. It gives an honest and illuminating account of all the players, the buildup, the intentions, the consequences, and everything that went on behind the scenes during the years before and after '79. Dr. Ganji's great examination of the Iranian Revolution is complemented by his first-class inspection of Iran today. In addition, the author's personal stories and experiences make the book all the more interesting, courageous, and moving. I consider this book a must read for all Iranians, in order that they will truly appreciate the significance of the events in the recent history of their country. However, whether one is a compatriot, a foreigner, a student, a professor, or an intellectual of any sort, this book will certainly provide more than enough exceptional information, analysis, and entertainment.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A *Must Read* for Westerners, March 9, 2005

By	A. Remington "nameyou'vechosenalreadytaken" (Land of The Shining Corn) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I first saw the author on the "Booknotes" program on C-Span. He was such a passionate speaker, I felt compelled to purchase the book. He does admit in several places that the Shah recognized his administration's shortcomings and was making efforts to overcome them. Perhaps one would have to have been there to know for certain their depth and breadth.(?) Dr Ganji's personal story is truly amazing and worth reading just to experience the run he had to make for his life as well as the courage of those who helped him along the way. The real wealth to be gleaned is a better understanding of the ultimate outcome of the radical turn Iran took in the late 70's and how Western leaders (Jimmy Carter, Nobel Prize winner) assisted the power brokers to gain control of the populace. Seeing Dr. Ganji on "Booknotes" certainly woke me into a realization of just how important a role the US plays in world politics. I'm happy to see this book becoming more available in the hope that others can have those same realizations. Dr Ganji provides haunting photos of what people are forced to live with in a maniacally fanatical environment. Shocking. As a woman, I can't imagine a more bleak existence except having my child abducted to serve as a human mine detector. In contrast, he discusses the priviledged status of clerics and how the citizenry is forced to support them in the life to which they have become accustomed as the saying goes. The book and seeing him speak helped me frame a better perspective on what's transpiring in the Middle East and I thank Dr. Ganji for that. It was a transfiguring nudge. The only negative thing is the price of the book which limits accessibilty.....Perhaps that can change.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 1979 Revolution Exposed, August 13, 2003

By	Reza (Washington, D.C) - See all my reviews

Dr. Ganji provides an explication of the events leading to, during and following the 1979 revolution. The author adds extra zest to the theme of his work when he relays his personal account of the events. This helps to balance out all of the factual data and figures so meticulously researched and listed. The book presents an unbias chronology and is a must read for all; especially at times like these when terrorism has cast a shadow over the globe. Overall, the book covers a crutial event in contemporary Iranian History and is highly recommended for anyone interested in Middle East matters.