Democracy in Iran: History and the Quest for Liberty

The two Iranian-American scholars argue that quest for democracy began in Iran over a century ago and there are structural reasons why it has not succeeded. They argue to develop Iran has invested in building a powerful state which has then made democracy impossible. Recent suppression of election riots show that the state is still suppressing democracy. The book is also a very good historical survey of modern Iran.

Will Iran be a democracy? Gheissari and Nasr gives a good overview of history of Irania history with one point in mind: why has there been so much debate over democracy but no real democracy. This is a serious book with a good deal of history. A must read for all those who discuss future of democracy in the Muslim world and Iran.

This a serious and smart book about the history of democracy in a Muslim country. It shows that democracy is not a new idea for Iranians. They have debated and experimented with it, and why they have failed to become democratic has more to do with political developments in that country than any other issue. The authors do a good job of explaining the weight of historical developments in how democracy develops and why its succeeds or fails. A good news in this book is that despite its harsh government there is more debate and interest in democracy than at any other time in recent Iranian history, and more Iranians now see it as a practical idea than before.

This a sweeping history of Iran. It shows how democracy has been debated over the years. What comes form this text is that Iranians have a rich history of debating democracy, and its is not just religion that accounts for absence of democracy in that country. It is a worthwhile read for everyone as these days talk of Iran and its government dominate the media.

I have read many books on Iran. I liked this one. It is readable and very insightful. There are many new facts in it, and it interprets Iran's history from a new perspective and at times with views that are different from those commonly held. I found it to be balanced, and when it comes to democracy to provide a deep and historical view that goes beyond simple answers in media today. I recommend to anyone who wants to understand Iran.