IRAN: A Misjudged, Misunderstood, Misconstrued Nation?

Dhiraj Kukreja

The book provides a comprehensive analysis of Iran’s historical, political, and socio-economic landscape, focusing on its evolution from ancient times to the present day. It delves into the significant events that have shaped Iran, including the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which replaced the Shah’s pro-Western monarchy with a theocratic republic led by Ayatollah Khomeini. The revolution’s aftermath saw Iran’s shift towards a rigid Islamic ideology, impacting its domestic policies and international relations.

The book highlights the persistent economic challenges faced by Iran, exacerbated by international sanctions, particularly from the USA and its Western allies, due to its nuclear programme and regional activities. The strained US-Iran relations are a recurring theme, marked by mutual distrust and geopolitical manoeuvring. Iran’s support for proxy groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis underscores its strategy to exert influence in the Middle East, often leading to regional tensions.

Domestically, Iran has witnessed significant public discontent, with protests against the theocratic rule and economic hardships induced by the never-ending sanctions. The death of President Ebrahim Raisi in 2024 and the election of reform-minded Masoud Pezeshkian have sparked hopes for potential reforms, though the entrenched power of the clerical establishment poses challenges.

The book also touches on Iran’s complex relationships with neighbouring countries, including Iraq, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia, and its cautious engagement with global powers like China and Russia. The future of Iran remains uncertain, with internal and external pressures shaping its path forward.

Will Iran be able to resolve its differences with USA and its allies? Will the present geo-political situation created by the Hamas attack in 2023 and the subsequent attacks by Hezbollah, Houthis and Iran, and the massive retaliation by Israel, create grounds for a regime change in Iran?

The answers are for the reader to arrive at, after an analysis of the book!

Dhiraj Kukreja

Air Mshl Dhiraj Kukreja is an air-veteran, having retired from the IAF after a distinguished career spanning about forty years - his last appointment being, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command. During his long career, he held various operational and staff appointments along with attending courses of instruction at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, a fellowship at the National Defence University, USA, and a post-Graduate course in National Security Strategy at National War College, Washington DC. On retirement, he has put the knowledge gained to good use. A prolific writer, he has over 225 published Articles and Papers to his credit on various topics. He has authored a book on China: “China – An Enigma”, which was published in 2022.

Contents

Preface

Acknowledgements

Introduction

1. Iran: Ancient History—An Introduction
2. Iran’s March Towards the 19th and 20th Centuries
3. Revolts to Revolutions
4. The Pahlavi Dynasty – 1941-1979
5. Iran Post-1979
6. Iran after Khomeini
7. Iran: International Relations
8. The Future
Index