I'm not an expert on Iran or Muslim and Shi'i theology which is why I found this book incredibly helpful and important. Our current political climate is filled with racist, xenophobic and islamophobic rethoric (amongst other things) and we have people in power who fuel hatred and disinformation. This books helps countering the simplistic and orientalist perception of a muslim country by giving an historical, theoretical and political overview of Shi'i Islam and the ethics of war and peace present in its theology.
The author presents a rich and complex history of theological thought and how religion cannot be our only fundament for creating peace. Personally, I'm an atheist, yet I find it important to understand religious texts and how they influence political opinions and I think this book offers a much needed analysis about how complext and multi-facetted Iran really is.
There needs to be a clear distinction between a country's government and its people and I'm sure that most Iranians want a peaceful conversation and abolishment of nuclear weapons but as always, the loud and shrieking majority make it seem like war and confrontation is the only solution. The author shows how there is historical precedence in Iranian history in dealing with conflict peacefully.
All in all, this is a great way of getting to know a country that is too often and too easily vilified, at the cost of the populace, here and everywhere. It shows the complexity and rich history, thus dismantling Western notions of a uniform and oftentimes cartoonishly evil Islam that is so pervasive in Europe and the US. In light of growing right-wing, conservative and fascist rethoric, it becomes unavoidable to read books that enlighten the reader to create a base of understanding and I think this book is a perfect start.