For over a quarter-century, Iran has been one of America's chief nemeses. But as Ray Takeyh shows in this accessible and authoritative history of Iran's relations with the world since the revolution, behind the famous personalities and extremist slogans is a nation that is far more pragmatic—and complex—than many in the West have been led to believe.

A groundbreaking book that reveals how the underappreciated domestic political rivalries within Iran serve to explain the country's behavior on the world stage. A leading expert explains why we fail to understand Iran and offers a new strategy for redefining this crucial relationship.

Osama bin Laden's death is a real and symbolic blow to al-Qaeda, and its stature in the Middle East is already diminished by the pro-democracy movements in the region, but the group remains lethal. Seven CFR experts discuss.

Bin Laden's death dealt a blow to al-Qaeda, but the events of this year have shown the Arab masses have emphatically rejected the terror group's ideology as they seek democratic reforms, writes CFR's Ray Takeyh.

Ray Takeyh argues that Libya has a chance to emerge from the Qaddafi regime as a moderate, unitary state.

Ray Takeyh says events happening outside of Libya are the more critical regional developments in the Arab world.

Ray Takeyh argues that the democratic movements in the Arab world offer the United States an opportunity to reclaim its values and redeem its interests in the Middle East.

U.S. supporters of a UN resolution aimed at protecting Libyan rebels should understand an entangling military commitment may now be underway, argues CFR's Ray Takeyh.

The Saudi intervention to help quell a Shia-dominated uprising in neighboring Bahrain is misguided and the kingdom should instead focus on guiding the way to political modernization, writes CFR's Ray Takeyh.

Ray Takeyh says that the most effective means of disarming the Islamic Republic is to invest in the Green Movement in Iran.

Ray Takeyh says that what is unfolding in Arab streets is not an assertion of religious reaction but a yearning for democracy with all its burdens and rewards.

Ray Takeyh says President Ahmadinejad is beginning to attempt to consolidate his power in Iran.

Ray Takeyh asks, "Just how stable is Iran's clerical regime?"

Ray Takeyh says that as Tehran engages the world on its nuclear infractions, it becomes easier for Iran repress its domestic opponents.

Ray Takeyh argues, "as part of any negotiations with the West, the Islamic Republic should be asked to amend not just its nuclear infractions but also its human rights abuses."

Ray Takeyh argues that Washington's attempts to have Iran rejoin the international community will be unsuccessful, since the Islamic Republic is too mired in ideological and domestic disagreements to act in the nation's interest.

Ray Takeyh clarifies the extent of the CIA's involvement in the 1953 coup in Iran.

Steven Simon and Ray Takeyh say that President Obama's decision on the use of force against Iran would hinge on factors well beyond Iran's timetable for obtaining a bomb.

Ray Takeyh says the Green movement today is America's only realistic path to a constructive and durable nuclear compact with Iran.

Ray Takeyh and Suzanne Maloney say only an approach involving direct dialogue and strategic patience can produce lasting success in dealing with Iran.

Despite international pressure, Iran appears to be continuing its march toward getting a nuclear bomb.

Yesterday's dueling speeches at the UN suggest a continued impasse on Iran's nuclear program, says CFR's Ray Takeyh. And Iranian politics make that unlikely to change anytime soon.