A revealing look at Iran by an American journalist with an insider’s access behind Persian wallsThe grandson of an eminent ayatollah and the son of an Iranian diplomat; now an American citizen; Hooman Majd is; in a way; both 100 percent Iranian and 100 percent American; combining an insider’s knowledge of how Iran works with a remarkable ability to explain its history and its quirks to Western readers. In The Ayatollah Begs to Differ; he paints a portrait of a country that is fiercely proud of its Persian heritage; mystified by its outsider status; and scornful of the idea that the United States can dictate how it should interact with the community of nations.With wit; style; and an unusual ability to get past the typical sound bite on Iran; Majd reveals the paradoxes inherent in the Iranian character which have baffled Americans for more than thirty years. Meeting with sartorially challenged government officials in the presidential palace; smoking opium with an addicted cleric; his family; and friends; drinking fine whiskey at parties in fashionable North Tehran; and gingerly self-flagellating in a celebration of Ashura; Majd takes readers on a rare tour of Iran and shares insights shaped by his complex heritage. He considers Iran as a Muslim country; as a Shiite country; and; perhaps above all; as a Persian one. Majd shows that as Shiites marked by an inferiority complex; and Persians marked by a superiority complex; Iranians are fiercely devoted to protecting their rights; a factor that has contributed to their intransigence over their nuclear programs. He points to the importance of the Persian view of privacy; arguing that the stability of the current regime owes much to the freedom Iranians have to behave as they wish behind “Persian walls.†And with wry affection; Majd describes the Persian concept of ta’arouf; an exaggerated form of polite self-deprecation that may explain some of Iranian President Ahmadinejad’s more bizarre public moments. With unforgettable portraits of Iranians; from government figures to women cab drivers to reform-minded Ayatollahs; Majd brings to life a country that is deeply religious yet highly cosmopolitan; authoritarian yet with democratic and reformist traditions—an Iran that is a more nuanced nemesis to the United States than it is typically portrayed to be.
#214346 in Books 2000-05-16 2000-05-16Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.98 x 1.07 x 5.21l; .82 #File Name: 0385486669402 pages
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Maintains its relevancy - a great readBy Andy OrrockAnderson's book is two great tales in one: a brief history of the Chechnyan conflict; and the amazing life of Fred Cuny.Writing this review right after the conclusion of the recent Chechen-led; mass-hostage-taking in Moscow; I have come to fully appreciate the continued relevance of Scott Anderson's great piece of journalism. Chechnya was; in Fred Cuny's words; the "scariest place I've ever seen." [Read about this guy's incredible life and you'll understand the magnitude of that statement.]The book is filled with many tales of the desperation; fighting power; guile and pluck of the Chechnyan people. In short; it's no surprise to me (and certainly not to Scott Anderson; I bet) that despite Vladimir Putin's assiduous efforts; the terror has made its way to Moscow.If you think one life can't make a difference; then you don't know about Fred Cuny. What he did in Sarajevo during the Bosian conflict will blow your mind.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. The Life of a True HeroBy George PadarI worked with Fred Cuny during DESERT STORM in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. He was enormously competent in formulating effective solutions to complex problems in a collegial manner. Fred was totally dedicated to helping people deal with stresses of humanitarian crises. He was very friendly and worked well with the military and humanitarian relief agencies. The world lost a consummate humanitarian. I miss his friendship and kindness to people in need.George Padar COL USAR(Ret)2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A cold slap to the Western worldviewBy Justin F. GaynorI read this book several years ago and remember only a few things clearly. First; I gained a real appreciation for the degree to which Western governments leave their citizens in relative peace. Second; the story of Grozny was absolutely horrifying. And third; the author has done a wonderful job of finding a story to tell; and telling it well.Kudos to Mr. Anderson for bringing this (well; the parts that are knowable) into the open.
