The Fall of Reza Shah

Published by: I.B Tauris & Co. Ltd, London, 2021, 178pp. ISBN: 9780755634408.

Iran occupies a very important position in the Middle East. It has a glowing and glori ed past just as it was a seat of a great civilisation. Even now Iran continues to occupy a very important position in the comity of nations. It is among the few nations that can be called an Islamic State. Its religious clergy and government have survived despite all the attempts to sti e and destroy it. It has survived inhumane sanctions, borne the brunt of wars and even now it is playing a decisive role in the perpetuation of sectarianism in Middle East, by thwarting the attacks of Saudi Arabia to dominate the Middle East. It has also played a subversive role in the Arab Spring, like Saudi Arabia. But the current book does not deliberate and analyse any contemporary issues related to Iran.

The author, Shaul Bakhash, deals with the life and times of Reza Shah, who is considered the founder of Modern Iran, although his vision has now been forgotten. Bakhash deliberates on the condition of Iran in the times of Reza Shah, how Iran was just at the receiving end, as it was not a master of its own fate because of poverty and its pathetic dependence on Europe, which prevented it from even paying the salaries of its indigenous army. It was in this dire situation that Reza Shah came to power. He was bogged down by multiple challenges as Iranian society was crying for new changes.