The Ayatollah Begs to Differ: The Paradox of Modern Iran

Content Summary: This book is primarily a cultural window into modern Iranian society - which is admittedly a paradox of secularized, even Westernized youth, and ultra-conservative Shia clergy who still govern the State. Majd is very apologetic for the reformists, such as Ayatollah Khatami, who are part of the regime. Even the reformists like Khatami, however, are not going to back off a theocratic Shia-Islamic state. He portrays a battle between more moderate voices like Khatami's, and radicals like Ahmadinejad. In the midst of this, he provides us with a cultural window into what Iran is like, from the perspective of a man who straddles the vast divide between the United States and Iran.Analytical Review: Some may be wary of Majd's relative lack of severe criticism for the Iranian regime. Suffice it to say, my understanding of Majd's intent wit this book is that he believes enough of that criticism has been said elsewhere. His purpose is to give a greater humantistic and cultural appreciation of a land that is inaccessible to the thought of most Americans. I believe he has succeeded for the most part, and if you are looking for a critical political overview of Iran's politics (which is certainly warranted) you should look elsewhere and read more. In a small but significant way, Majd shows the warts and promises inherent on a very ancient and paradoxical country.

A very well written book that provides a very common sense understanding of iranian in Iran. Also has a very clear explanation of many persian specific cultural sensibilities that is key for a non Iranian to understand if they wish to get a grasp on what is going on there. Also explanation of some very persian specific behaviors like, taarof, gholoove, shiasim, poetry, history, pride, and alike, that can provides a much better context to understanding of Iranian and its complex political establishment.I found it a very engaging and useful reading. A very common sense explanation of Iranian political power structure and the reasoned for how cleric have managed the holds on the power. Also provides a very convincing arguments as why the west, and particularly america's, wishful thinking on regime change and installing some external dissident groups like MEK is beyond fanciful imaginations. As an Iranian American since pre-revolution with many trips back to iran I found it very accurate and consistancy with my own understanding.

I bought this book after I heard about it on NPR. The book is well written and easy to follow. The theme centers on how intelligent, competent, but misunderstood by others, the Iranian society is. The book goes on to list daily examples on how the Iranians outsmart other nations from street savyness to diplomatic superiority. The reader soon begins to wonder about this great nation that is so capable and so misunderstood by everyone else. There seems to be an expectation, a constant need by the Iranian people for recognition of their superior abilities which the rest of the world seems to ignore to their detriment. That perception impermeates the book and was the main reason why I stopped reading it half way through. I agree that Iranian society is truly a capable and intelligent social group, but their success or failure lays - not in the perception of the rest of the world - but in how they shape their own society. For example, to read about a minister official spending time and effort to ousmart the author with cunningness, wit, and endless hospitality, does not make Iranian society smarter, better, but it does give the book self defeating arguments why the Iranian peope's destiny is not in how others understand them, but in how themselves understand their own culture and if there is anything they want to change about it.

I discovered something very interesting from this book: by the standards of the neighborhood, Iran is a fairly democratic state. The president is elected by popular vote and may not serve more than two consecutive terms. The legislature is elected. In both cases, reformers sometimes win the elections and take office.Of course, the guy that really controls the country is the "Supreme Leader," but he is also elected, albeit not directly, and may be impeached! These tasks are performed by a special body elected by the people, a little like a permanent Electoral College, the body that actually elects US presidents.The Supreme Leader can overrule any action by the President and Legislature and can disqualify anyone for running for office. Thus, the Supreme Leader really controls the country. However, by tradition, the Supreme Leader does not usually interfere with day-to-day governance, but rather weighs in fairly rarely.By contrast, most other governments in the region are simply dictatorships, including close US ally Saudi Arabia. Exceptions are Iraq and (sometimes) Pakistan, both of which are a bit more democratic that Iran.

an Excellent book on the development of the Iranian national character after the insults of the Shah and his parents, the CIA's destroying Iran's attempt to gain a democracy, the US-instigated and support war of Iraq against Iran that took over a million Iranian lives and the effects of US-driven embargos against Iran.He shows how the Iranians are welcoming and freer than most countries (unless one takes on the clergy), the generosity of their spirit.After reading his book, one is left wondering why we the US, needed to create such terrible hostilities against a country that would be an asset as a trade partner and friend!

The Ayatollah begs to differ is both a social and political commentary on modern Iran. The book reads both like a travel memoir, and a political commentary. Hooman Majd has a very readable way of writing, and as such this book is accessible to all, and unlikely to be put down.Majd has several key insights into Iranian society, with some memorable quirks and insights. A memorable line was when Majd pointed out that an undercover Iranian intelligence officer is often likely to be the first person to light up a joint at a party.What this book is not, is a history of the first 3 decades of the Islamic Republic, rather it is a political and social commentary, that is often humorous, but always heartfelt.

Interesting

Majd is very well connected and has had access to all sorts of important actors in the regime. He makes his way into obscure corners of Iranian life. He is perhaps a little of an apologist for the regime, but his criticisms are valid and knowledgeable. Highly recommended.

A very interesting read.

A humorous view of modern day Iran. Worth a read for anyone wanting to know what life is really like in the Islamic republic.