Product Description

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #102550 in Books
• Published on: 2007-08-21
• Released on: 2007-08-21
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 272 pages

From Publishers Weekly
In this well-constructed sketch of American-Iranian relations, Takeyh (senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations) critiques the U.S.'s unnuanced approach to Iran since its 1979 revolution as well as the failure of successive administrations to note that decades of sanctions and containment haven't significantly changed Iranian behavior. A picture emerges of a complex society marked by cultural struggle and compromise, as Takeyh criticizes the perception of Iranian politics as monolithic. He concludes that the "chimera of regime change" must finally be rejected, and pointedly observes that "it is rare... for a state that views nuclear weapons as fundamental to its security interests to dispense with such weapons under relentless threats." Takeyh urges America to look beyond President Ahmadinejad to such institutions as Iran's powerful Supreme National Security Council and Foreign Ministry, each of which distanced themselves from Ahmadinejad's anti-Israel rhetoric. Takeyh even suggests areas in which Iran and the U.S. might forge a "selective partnership"—not least their shared need for a stable Iraq. Though he occasionally slips into a too-casual assumption of the inevitability of his forecasts, Takeyh (The Receding Shadow of the Prophet) provides a well-argued, seldom heard viewpoint. (Oct.)
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From Booklist
The current standoff between Iran and the West over Iran's nuclear ambitions appears to be a Gordian knot that some urge to be disentangled by resorting to military force. Takeyh wisely places the nuclear issue within the broader context of Iran's relations with the West, and particularly with the "Great Satan," the U.S. Within that context, Takeyh asserts that Americans have grossly misunderstood the complex realities of Iranian political life. As opposed to the image frequently shown in America--a monolithic government controlled by clerical fanatics--Takeyh presents a far more nuanced picture. Despite the recent electoral triumphs of conservative ideologies, Iran remains torn between those who seek a more secular, pluralistic state and those who hope to maintain rigid authoritarianism. The outcome is far from certain, but Takeyh insists the hostile tone emanating from the Bush administration only undermines reformers. Critics are likely to accuse Takeyh of naivete in assuming that our problems with Iran can be solved through dialogue. Still, his assertions and suggestions provide a necessary counterpoint to those who see confrontations and military conflict as inevitable. Jay Freeman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Foreign Affairs
"Careful and sophisticated . . . Hidden Iran is a skillful policy brief, written in a smooth, graceful style."

Customer Reviews

Takeyh's "Hidden Iran" provides important insights on a complex subject
Ray Takeyh's "Hidden Iran" is a wonderful book that will help everyone understand the many forces shaping Iran's internal cultural and political situation and world facing relations. In particular, I have better understanding of Iran's nuclear intentions as well as its perspectives on the U.S. and Israel, which gives me hope that over time Iran will takes its place as one of the leading nations on a regional and international stage.

Very good book.
This was a little slow going for me at first, but as I went on I found it quite compelling. Takeyh does a great job of enumerating the several policy issues effecting both the United States and Iran with historical and cultural perspective, and void of the vitriolic rhetoric that is common on both sides of this discussion.

Recommending a New U.S. Approach to Iran
In this book, the author attempts to recommend a new diplomatic, economic and political approach in the United States' dealings with Iran.

Before making his recommendations, the author does a fabulous job of reviewing the ideology of the Khomeini era - and the baggage that both Americans and Iranians have dealt with since the Iranian Revolution.

He then discusses the conservatives, pragmatists, and reformists that have evolved in Iranian politics since Khomeini's death, telling us of their differing views on how the Iranian government should operate and as well as how Iran should interact with the international community.

Next he discusses how Iran interacts differently with various countries in the Middle East depending on their strategic importance and geographical location.

Additionally, the author discusses the history of Iranian-US relations and how each side has missed opportunities to better relations because of the animosity built during this history.

Finally, the author goes into detail on the three major issues that need to be resolved between the US and Iran - the Iranian nuclear program, Iraq, and Iran's support to terrorists.

In the end, I think the author does a great job of bringing all of this information and analysis together to provide excellent recommendations for future US-Iran relations and negotiations. These recommendations need to be understood and debated by all concerned citizens and politicians.

Overall - a must read for anyone interested in U.S. Middle Eastern policy.