Persian Postcards: Iran After Khomeini

Hans B. Neumann teaches history at Scarborough College, University of
Toronto.

For the average Canadian, contemporary Iran evokes images of chador-clad
women and dour mullahs addressing chanting crowds. Freelance journalist
Fred Reed sets out to temper these images in this articulate volume, the
result of more than 10 visits he made to Iran between 1985 and 1993. The
book is not intended to be a “journalistic report, an academic
treatise, or a travel book,” although it contains elements of all
three.

Ten chapters provide reflections and/or discussions and interviews with
members of all strata of Iranian society. Among the famous sites Reed
visited were Isfahan, Qom, the Behesht-e Zahra cemetery in Tehran, and
the citadel of Hassan Sabbah in Alamut. Reed reveals an impressive
knowledge of the rich and varied history, culture, and traditions of
Persia, especially the long and intense legacy of Shi’ite Islam in
Iran. The book presents his discussions with Iranians on such
controversial issues as the role of

women in the post-Shah era, the long and bloody war with Iraq, the
economy, and the infamous arms-for-hostages deal with the Reagan
administration.

The picture that emerges from these postcards is much more complex than
that generally presented by mainstream Western media. Iran at almost all
levels speaks with more than one voice; its leadership is more open and
flexible than is often assumed, especially in political and economic
matters. This book is recommended for the open-minded reader with a
solid grasp of current affairs.