Revolution and Counter Revolution in Iran

by Phil Marshall

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, History, Iran, Middle East

128 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1988

Reviews

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has useful insights into the context of the Iranian Revolution and manages to identify the key weaknesses of the left in Iran which allowed reactionary forces to take the initiative - namely, the lack of clear political leadership and ideological confusion. However, the author is a British Trotskyist and this is reflected in his myopic obsession on the strikes and trade unions of the industrial workers (which he identifies with the working class, while the 'urban poor' and unemployed are often treated dismissively and almost aren't proletarian at all).

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most interesting was the weakness of the basically Stalinised left.

I always understood the revolution as a revolution + Islamic counterrevolution, but the left didn’t seem to be leading, rather ordinary masses, crucially backed by militant workers, started a progressive revolution against dictatorship but were left without compelling leadership bar the Islamists.

[♡ India ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive yet didn't unnecessarily drag. Exceptional and clear analysis made on the failures of the Iranian revolution and how the bankrupt Stalinist Left at the time allowed for Khomeini's counter-revolution to sweep Iran with relatively little struggle. Of course it's an upsetting outcome but one that is vital to learn from as revolutionary socialists, and this is a great book for that.

[Peter]

This is Mos O's book.