Fereydoun Hoveyda Book order

The book delves into the complexities and contradictions surrounding Ayatollah Khomeini's leadership during the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran. It examines Khomeini's refusal of an offer for a peaceful return to Iran, demanding instead the Shah's departure and subsequent trial. The narrative critiques conventional explanations for the revolution, such as corruption and social inequality, arguing that these factors alone do not account for the unique dynamics of the Iranian situation compared to other Muslim countries. It seeks to unravel the mysteries of Khomeini's actions and the revolution's aftermath.

The book delves into the motivations behind militant Islamic fundamentalism, highlighting how these groups attribute societal issues to Western influence while advocating for Jihad and the overthrow of local governments. Ambassador Hoveyda examines both historical and modern factors contributing to this phenomenon. He argues that, despite their attacks on the West, these fundamentalists pose a greater threat to Muslim nations striving to advance economically and socially, complicating their efforts to address pressing challenges.

The former ambassador to the United Nations for Iran analyzes the political and personal forces that combined to destroy the Iranian monarchy, discussing the corruption of the royal family and the surge of the Islamic renascence