The Iranian revolution that overthrew the country's pro-Western monarchy and established an Islamic republic is now 30 years old. Yet the future direction of the political system that Ayatollah Khomeini established is still undetermined. In this highly readable and informative book, sociologist Arjomand (director, Stony Brook Inst. for Global Studies, Stony Brook Univ.; The Turban for the Crown) describes the challenges that the Iranian system has faced after Khomeini's death. In a style that will appeal to specialists and lay readers alike, the author describes the country's unique dual leadership between elected and theocratic governing bodies. He also traces the evolution of the contemporary social forces in the country and the emergence of a reformist camp that has challenged the ascendancy of the theocratic elements, both in the government and in society at large. Recommended for both academic and interested general readers.—Nader Entessar (NE), Univ. of South Alabama, Mobile

Esfandiari (founding director, Middle East Program, Woodrow Wilson International Ctr. for Scholars; Reconstructed Lives: Women and Iran's Islamic Revolution) refused to give up on her country of birth. Exiled from Iran, she continued to visit her elderly mother (a remarkable woman in her own right, who was born in Austria, made her home in Iran, and refused to leave). It was on one of those visits that Esfandiari, apparently the victim of competing security forces, was interrogated and jailed. Kept in solitary confinement for 105 days, this astute, introspective woman relied on spirit, memory, and self-discipline to survive grueling interrogations, debilitating living conditions, and dwindling hopes of release. Readers will be inspired by Esfandiari's courage and enriched by her informed evaluation of the political situation in Iran.—Lisa Klopfer (LK), Eastern Michigan Univ., Ypsilanti

First-time author Maslin narrates his nine weeks of low-budget travels through Iran. Without pretending to know anything beyond the headlines, Maslin finds his way into conversations with an array of guys who hang out in coffee shops, wanting to party. He charms these young people and various others, many of whom offer remarkably generous hospitality. Maslin's encounters show the ordinary people of Iran to have the same desires, quirks, and failings as ordinary people anywhere. Less informed and more youthful in tone than Jason Elliot's Mirrors of the Unseen: Journeys in Iran, this travelog will appeal to armchair travelers and those wondering about future prospects for Iranian society.—LK

As President Obama embarks on a path of negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program and other foreign policy issues, there remain many uncertainties. In this straightforward and jargon-free book, six American commentators and policy analysts offer a menu of options that Washington can pursue in its dealings with Tehran. They focus on four types of policy options—diplomatic, military, regime change, and containment—analyzing substrategies under each of these broad policy variables and assessing the pros and cons of each course of action. The book is useful in laying out in clear terms the varying Iran policies that have been promoted by Washington insiders. Those who have been following U.S.-Iranian relations recently will be familiar with the options discussed here, but may appreciate the clear overview, Recommended for interested general readers and students.—NE

What are the factors that have shaped Iran's foreign policy posture toward the rest of the world in general and the West in particular? It's been a puzzle to many American decision makers for decades. Takeyh (Council of Foreign Relations), a well-known commentator on Iran's foreign policy, explains its evolution since 1979 in this lucidly written book. Takeyh demonstrates that Iran's foreign policy decisions are made based on ideological and pragmatic considerations. He compares and contrasts Iranian foreign policy decisions during the pragmatic presidencies of Rafsanjani and Khatami and analyzes the impact of the emergence of the "New Right" and the Ahmadinejad presidency on Iran's foreign policy. Recommended for students and general readers who are tracking the U.S.-Iranian relationship.—NE