Revolution in Iran: The Transition to Democracy (Paperback)

~ Omid Souresrafil (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Is Iran a pariah state, or simply a misunderstood nation, undergoing a program of modernization within its own traditions? Omid Souresrafil, an Iranian journalist living abroad, examines the current role of Iran in the international arena, and particularly within the Middle East. Written from an insider's perspective, "The Mature Revolution" demystifies the complicated political history of a country that has evolved from a totalitarian regime to a democratic state founded on the popular vote of its people.

Examining the political and social changes within Iranian society from a historical perspective, Souresrafil looks in detail at internal affairs since Mohammad Khatami's remarkable election in 1997, with its 20 million turnout. He also covers the political struggle between the traditionalists and the modernists, the role of the press, economic struggles, and Iran's prospects for the future. This is an insightful and informed narrative account of an Islamic transition to democracy

About the Author

Omid Souresrafil is a journalist who wrote a weekly column for the Tehran Times from 1997-1999. He is based in Australia.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Pluto Press (UK) (April 30, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0745317421
• ISBN-13: 978-0745317427
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #6,256,184 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars The Democratic Lie, December 11, 2003

By A Customer

Iran is a theocracy, based upon the tenets of Shia Islam. The mullahs and clerics of Iran control all of society with an iron fist. Democracy does not exist in Iran. If the author wants to write about the upcoming revolution, when the 2004 elections occur, and the collapse of the 2005 elections, then there might be a grain of truth to his premise. There is no distinction between the moderates and the hardliners. They do not govern Iran out of a sense of service, but as a way to maintain power.

But to ignore the growing dangers of nuclear weapons, cooperation with Hezbollah, harboring al Qaeda, giving sanctuary to terrorists, supporting the PLO, committing human rights violations, incarcerating over 30,000 political prisoners and stamping out freedom for Persians, is a travesty.

2004 will bring about change in Iran, by the power of the youth in the universities and the support of America.

Free Iran!