Description
Book SynopsisThis book argues that ever since Iran’s Islamic Revolution in 1979, which established a Shia Islamic government in Iran, that country’s religious and political leaders, have used Shia Islam as a crucial way of expanding Iran’s objectives in the Middle East and beyond. Since 1979, Iran’s religious and political leaders have been concerned about Iran’s security in the face of the hostility and expansionism of the United States and other western countries, and the threats from powerful neighboring Sunni leaders and countries. While Iran’s government has attempted to align itself with Shia Muslims in various countries, such as Iraq and Lebanon, against American and Sunni expansionism, the Iranian government has attempted to religiously nourish and politically mobilize those Shias as a matter of principle, not only because of the Iranian government’s desires to protect Iran from external threats. The book analyzes Shia Islam and politics in Iraq, Iraq, and Lebanon which have among the largest proportional Shia populations in the Middle East and are vibrant centers of Shia intellectual life. The book's clear and jargon-free approach make it especially accessible for students and general readers who would like an introduction to the book's topics.
Trade ReviewThis clear and accessible book presents historical, intellectual, political, and religious contexts for understanding Shia Islam and modern politics in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and beyond. Its comparative approach, comprehensive scope, and compelling insights make it enormously useful for students, scholars, and general readers. -- Berge Traboulsi, Haigazian University
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments
Preface
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Iran during the Qajar and Pahlavi Dynasties
Chapter 3: Iran’s Islamic Revolution and Its Aftermath
Chapter 4: Iraq from the End of World War I to 1990
Chapter 5: Iraq from 1990 and Beyond
Chapter 6: Lebanon
Chapter 7: Future Prospects - Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and the United States
Bibliography
Index
About the Author
