Iran and the West: A failure to communicate

Ayatollah Khomeini's revolution of 1979 gave Iran a worldwide image of fanaticism which has been hard to live down, even though a more moderate and democratic style has been evident in recent years. Of course this is not western-style democracy, and Iran remains apprehensive about the US projection of power in the Gulf, resenting the 'dual containment' policy which for so long treated Iran and Iraq as equal threats. Yet despite US sanctions, Iran made substantial advances in 1997, improving relations and doing trade deals with many states.

This briefing gives a concise and balanced overview of Iran today and its wider role in the Middle East, and dispels much of the mystery and suspicion which cloud Western, and especially Anglo-Saxon, perceptions of this proud and ancient nation.

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