What Makes Tehran Tick: Islamist Ideology and Hegemonic Interests

Publish Date: 2 November 2006

ISBN: 978-1599752983

Abstract:

The Iranian regime epitomizes a rogue state that engages in state-sponsored terrorism while simultaneously seeking weapons of mass destruction. Considerable commentary dismisses Iranian rhetoric as more bluster. What Makes Tehran Tick creatively explores the ideological sources of Tehran's hostility. Knowing these extremist beliefs is critical to understanding Iran's motivations as well as the potential for success of Western policy options regarding Iran's future and its nuclear weapon ambition. In the context of failing diplomacy and problematic military action against Iran, this book suggests an ingenious third option that seeks to empower the Iranian people for democratic change. Pursuit of the empowerment alternative could reinforce diplomacy while keeping the military option in abeyance.

--General Alexander M. Haig, Jr.

WHAT MAKES TEHRAN TICK THE NATURE OF THE REGIME Praising Iran's great civilization will not purchase an iota of goodwill from Tehran. This book explains why: The ideological motivation that drives the Iranian regime's hostility to Western civilization is deep-rooted. Read this book to learn why we cannot stop Tehran's terrorist activities by protecting the Iranian regime from its internal opposition, which we unwisely label as a terrorist group.

--Dr. Fred C. Iklé, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy in the Reagan Administration

WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES THE NATURE OF THE REGIME MAKE? What Makes Tehran Tick artfully depicts the dire threat of a nuclear-armed Iran to the West. Unlike other members of the nuclear club, Iran is an Islamist-fascist state ruled by fanatical clerics whose calculations of national interest set them on a collision course with Israel, the United States, and the international community.

--Struan Stevenson, Scottish Member of European Parliament

WHAT DOES REGIME NATURE MEAN FOR POLICY OPTIONS? While many lament the problems of dealing with an ideologically intransigent Iran, What Makes Tehran Tick is novel in its imaginative suggestion of an alternative to the vexing choices of failing diplomacy and problematic military action. The proposal to empower the Iranian people by removing their main opposition groups from the terrorist lists of the United States and European Union is one that world leaders ignore at their own peril. Fortunately, the notion of empowering the Iranian people is attracting widespread attention throughout the European Union.

--Paulo Casaca, Portuguese Member of European Parliament

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