The Coup: 1953, the CIA, and the Roots of Modern U.S.-Iranian Relations

The Coup: 1953, the CIA, and the Roots of Modern U.S.-Iranian Relations

In August 1953, the CIA orchestrated the swift overthrow of Iran's democratically elected leader and installed Muhammad Reza Shah Pahlavi in his place. Over the next twenty-six years, the United States backed the unpopular, authoritarian shah and his secret police; in exchange, it reaped a huge share of Iran's oil wealth. The blowback was inevitable, as this “relevant, readable” ( Kirkus Reviews ) history by noted Iran scholar Ervand Abrahamian shows. When the 1979 Iranian Revolution deposed the shah and replaced his puppet government with a radical Islamic republic under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the shift reverberated throughout the Middle East and the world, casting a long, dark shadow over U.S.-Iran relations that extends to the present day. In this “well-documented account [that] will become indispensable reading for students of the modern Middle East” ( Choice ), Abrahamian uncovers little-known documents that challenge conventional interpretations of the coup. Offering “new insights into his history-shattering event” ( Reason.com ), his riveting account transforms America's understanding of a crucial turning point in modern U.S.-Iran relations. "Not only is this book important because of its presentation of history. It is also important because it might be predicting the future." ― Counterpunch "Subtle, lucid, and well-proportioned." ― The Spectator "A valuable corrective to previous work and an important contribution to Iranian history." ― American Historical Review "An engaging tale of the machinations, intrigues, and personalities at the heart of the crisis." ― Publishers Weekly "A must-read for anyone wanting a clearer understanding of the history behind current U.S.-Iranian relations." ― Library Journal Ervand Abrahamian is distinguished professor of Iranian and Middle Eastern history and politics at Baruch College, City University of New York. He is a co-author (with Bruce Cumings and Moshe Ma’oz) of Inventing the Axis of Evil (The New Press).