When Iranians overthrew their pro-Western monarchy in favor of an Islamic regime in 1979 many
observers predicted that revolutionary turmoil would paralyze the country for years to come.
Yet in the decades since Iran has emerged as a key player in the Middle East and the wider
world. In Iran Rising renowned Iran specialist Amin Saikal describes how the Islamic Republic
has managed to survive despite ongoing domestic struggles Western sanctions and other serious
challenges. Amid heightened global anxiety over alliances terrorism and nuclear threats Iran
Rising offers essential reading for understanding a country that more than ever is a force to
watch.
