Understanding Iran: Everything You Need to Know, from Persia to the Islamic Republic, from Cyrus to Khamenei
About this ebook
William R. Polk provides an informative, readable history of a country which is moving quickly toward becoming the dominant power and culture of the Middle East. A former member of the State Department's Policy Planning Council, Polk describes a country and a history misunderstood by many in the West. While Iranians chafe under the yolk of their current leaders, they also have bitter memories of generations of British, Russian and American espionage, invasion, and dominance. There are important lessons to be learned from the past, and Polk teases them out of a long and rich history and shows that it is not just now, but for decades to come that an understanding of Iran will be essential to American safety and well-being.
“A superb and insightful historical account of Iran and the evolution of the Persian culture.” ―General Anthony C. Zinni USMC (Retired), co-author of Leading the Charge and The Battle for Peace
“A great scholar's brilliant appreciation of Iranian culture and history.” ―Dr. Khodadad Farmanfarmaian, former Deputy Prime Minister of Iran
“A thoughtful, clear-eyed look at America's entanglement in the Middle East. . . . sharp, smart analysis.” —David Ignatius, columnnst for the Washington Post and author of The Increment
“William Polk presents the reader with the full sweep of Iraq's history. . . . a comprehensive tour.” ―Washington Times
“Haunting. . . . One of the clearest prescriptions for success in Iraq yet to emerge.” ―Publishers Weekly
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About the author
William R. Polk established the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Chicago, was president of the Adlai Stevenson Institute of International Affairs, and helped to organize the "Table Ronde" meeting that laid the groundwork for the European Union. He was called back to the White House briefly during the 1967 Middle Eastern War to write a draft Peace Treaty and to act as advisor to U.S. National Security Advisor McGeorge Bundy.
