United State's Institute of Peace has published a considerable book on Iran: The Iran Primer.
More than 50 experts, both Iranian and American, who mostly live outside Iran (BTW), have offered their views on Iran.
Iran's politics, foreign policy, relations with the U.S., and future road map for U.S. government are all discussed. There are many other experts on Iran living in the U.S., but for whatever reason, they have not been chosen to present their understandings. And it does not end here, there is one major defect with it.
What is Wrong with the Primer?
The problem is not about the details. It will be very difficult to analyze and criticize every small detail in each of those 50 articles. Besides, in writing about Iran-U.S., experts often get that free hand to express their particular views of certain events. However, looked carefully, the Primer has a major weakness: It does not have genuine Islamic Republic views presented in it. If one defines the Islamic Republic as a 30 year old entity which has nurtured and implemented its own idea of the world, the Primer fails to show it by not giving Islamic Republic "elites" a chance to present their perspective of the relationship. That is what Robin Wright, despite her arduous and still valuable efforts, failed to notice when she was drawing the plan.
All said, regardless of the academic and objectivity status of its authors, Iran Primer is going to be read and listened to, at least for a while, and that makes it an important text to read.
See the link:
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