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.

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.

Ray Takeyh states that the best means to soften U.S. relations with the Iran is to decouple Iran's nuclear situation from the Middle East peace process.

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

James M. Lindsay and Ray Takeyh state that in efforts to contain a nuclear Iran, "military options should not be taken off the table."

CFR Iran expert Ray Takeyh argues that a stronger U.S. stand in favor of political reform in Iran can work in tandem with efforts to limit Iran's nuclear program.

Ray Takeyh writes: "As the United States and its allies wrestle with the issue of Iran's nuclear program, they would be wise to recognize the changes to the context in which their policy was framed."

CFR's Ray Takeyh examines the unsettled nature of Iranian politics, pointing to a fractured opposition and a regime divided on how to proceed on talks over its nuclear program.