The Iranian Mojahedin (Paperback)

by Ervand Abrahamian (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Ayatollah Khomeini may have been the focal point of anti-Shah opposition, but the Mojahedin, a radical political group, provided the martyrs, the guns, the huge marches, and much of the written word that fanned the fires of Shiite fervor in the first three years of the Islam Republic of Iran. But the Mojahedin have now gone underground: cult-like, they stand beleaguered, and convinced that Khomeini has gone astray. Abrahamian (history, Baruch Coll.) is an acknowledged expert on Middle Eastern affairs, and this dissection of a crucial element of contemporary Iran is essential to projecting the future of the country and the Islamic Revolution. Scholars will find the first quarter of the book repetitive; however, newcomers to the subject will find the history useful. Highly recommended for major collections and larger libraries.
- David P. Snider, Casa Grande P.L., Ariz .
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
In this book, a leading authority on Iranian political parties offers the first history of the Mojahedin, a little-known radical group that was instrumental in bringing the Ayatollah Khomeini to power but that now constitutes the main opposition to his Islamic Republic. Drawing on all available sources-including interviews with past and present members of the Mojahedin-Ervand Abrahamian traces their organization from the 1960s to the present. "[This] book is important and useful not only because it is the first in English on its subject, but also because ...it is objective...[I]ts approach is thoughtful, fresh and independent, being to Islam more or less what liberation theology is to Christianity."-Economist "Abrahamian's commentary on Ali Shariati and his relationship to the Mojahedin is a unique and impressive achievement...Radical Islam is a learned, lucid and cogent piece of Iranian history...The book is must reading for all experts and observers interested in the politics of the Islamic Revolution and the role of Iran's political culture."-Mansour Farhang, Middle East Report "The result is one of the best of so many books about Iran today."-A. R. H. Kellas, Asian Affairs "This is the most objective and comprehensive study available of the important Iranian movement."-Anthony Hyman, International Affairs

Product Details

• Paperback: 315 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press (October 28, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300052677
• ISBN-13: 978-0300052671
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #540,116 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent Book, February 12, 2000

By A Customer

In my opinion this book is a comprehencive review of Mojahedin-e-Khalg movement. It helped me to organize my thoughts about the idealogy, politics, and future of Mojahedin. It also provides a detail description of Iranian revolution (1979). A must reading material, particularly for the Mojahedin supporters (old and new).

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant book revealing the true nature of the MKO., May 22, 1999

By A Customer

Professor Abrahamian has through this excellent book given readers of all backgrounds an opportunity to read about the tragic history of the Mujahedin/National Council of Iranian Resistance without any biases. This comprehensive study on the most notorious Iraqi-backed terrorist organization will give the reader an understanding of why the organization was created, why it was popular before it allied itself with Saddam Hussein, why it is despised by Iranians in general today and why it is dying as an organization. The book also explains the Mujahedin's undertaking of terrorist attacks against Americans.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Rigorous Introduction to the Sazeman-e Mojahedin-e Khalq, May 17, 1999

By A Customer

Dr. Abrahamian presents the Sazeman-e Mojahedin-e Khalq in a complete and unbiased review of their history. The text is easy reading yet thoroughly documented.

This book is highly recommended for anyone who wishes a solid introduction to a group which has been categorized as a terrorist organization by both the Iranian and U.S. governments. Without the rhetoric so often accompanying the mention of the Mojahedin, the author presents a scholarly analysis of their history. It will become clear to the reader why the Mojahedin and the Rajavis are popular to some but hated and reviled by the majority of Iranians, both in Iran and abroad.