My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When it comes to understanding the modern Middle East and why it is the way it is, there are a number of dates and events that are key to it, such as the end of World War I and the Sykes-Picot agreement, the beginning of the U.S.-Saudi relationship during World War II, and the creation of modern Israel as a Jewish state. In this wonderful book of history, Mr. Kinzer makes an excellent case for why we should consider the 1953 coup that overthrew the government of Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh in Iran.
Despite this book's short length, it is full of so much information. First, it is an incredibly fascinating look at the history of Iran up to the mid-twentieth century, including both the religious and political spheres. There was so much information about Zoroastrianism, Islam, British imperialism, democracy and fundamentalism that I would love to pick up a more comprehensive book on Iran's history in the future. It seems genuinely fascinating. This book is also a great spy thriller. The very first chapter starts with the U.S.'s first attempt to overthrow Mossadegh in August of 1953 and quickly reveals the ins and outs of the coup. Though you know the terrible consequences Mossadegh's downfall will lead to, you can't help but turn the page to learn how everything comes together for the coup plotters.
While I give this book five stars, it is not a perfect book. The upside of starting the book with the first failed coup attempt is that it whets your appetite for the story, but it has a significant downside of making the end of the book feel rather rushed. There are 12 chapters, plus a preface and an epilogue, and after that first chapter you get 9 chapters of backstory afterwards. Thus, once the second and successful coup attempt happens in chapter 11, it all felt so quick that I had trouble figuring out what exactly was going on. I suppose that's how it felt to everyone involved too, but it does give the reader a sense of whiplash at how quickly everything ends.
Overall, for anyone who is interested in learning more about the modern Middle East, especially now that tensions between Iran and the U.S. are elevated once again, this book is a must read. Along with Power, Faith, and Fantasy: America in the Middle East 1776 to the Present, Killing a King: The Assassination of Yitzhak Rabin and the Remaking of Israel, Black Flags: The Rise of ISIS, and Return of a King: The Battle for Afghanistan, 1839-42, this is a must read book.
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