The Complete Infidel's Guide to Iran (Complete Infidel's Guides) Paperback – July 11, 2016

“The Complete Infidel’s Guide to Iran” by Robert Spencer (July 2016), large paperback.Essentially, this book is an expose of the anti-West, terrorist-advocacy views of the militant Shiite-Muslim, Islamist-theocracy government of Iran. This book appears now to be timed to highlight what the author believes are the “naïve and incredibly reckless” mistakes of the 2012 U.S.-Iran “Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action” (“JCPOA”) by which U.S. Pres. Barak Hussain Obama believes he can curtail or slow Iran’s development of nuclear weaponry for a decade. This book not only lambasts this “Nuclear Deal” or “anti-nuke development” plan, but it also exposes the terrorist activities of Iran’s ayatollah-based government, and reveals how the theological origins of Iran’s anti-West government were midwifed by Shiite Islam.I am not going to list or review all of Mr. Spencer’s arguments against JCPOA, which he extensively details well in Chapter 1.Chpt. 2: Explains how the Shiite-ayatollah government believes it can unite all Muslims into an Iran-based caliphacy (15% all Muslims) that will rule over the world – but doubtful as it is deathly opposed by the Sunni-Muslim umma (85%).Chpt. 3: The author warns of the Iranian development of a restrictive, Islamic “Shi’ite Crescent” hegemony from Iran extending through Shia-Iraq to a Shia-Syria (Pres. Asad) to a Shia-Lebanon (Hizballah) – all united against the U.S. and Israel.Chpt. 4: The author details “Iran’s all-consuming hatred for Israel” by its supplying armaments to Hizballah for attacking and eliminating Israel.Chpt. 5: The author briefly details how prior to the revelation of Islam (c. 700 AD) that Iran was less hateful of Jews, such as when the Iranian King Cyrus (c. 550 BC) allowed Jews “to return to their land [Israel] from exile in Babylon”. The author recounts how early Persians were championing the exploration of new secular ideas (rather than curtailing them), but notes how the Persians had empire-expansion plans into the Middle East, too. The author also explores of history of Iran leading up to the 1979 Shiite-cleric revolution in opposition to the secular-tolerant Shah.Chpt. 6: The author details the objections of Iran’s Shiite-clerics (who were egged on by Ayatollah Khomeini) to the Shah’s attempts to curtail the clerics’ detrimental influence over the populace by the clerics’ power of land holdings and political/religious persuasion. The clerics were also opposed to what they perceived to be the threat of “Westoxification” (“gharbzadegi”) or the acceptance of modernization influences from “the West” or European, pro-secular democracy.Chpt. 7: The author discusses the Sunni(Arabia) v. Shiite(Iran) split, how these two Muslim sects differ, and how that bloody separation continues to produce corpses today.Chpt. 8: The author recounts what “life inside the Islamic Republic” is today (restrictions against alcohol, homosexuals, fashion, Bahais, churches, etc.).Chpt. 9: The author analyzes the impact of the June 2009 “Green Revolution” public protests against the repressive and murderous Ahmadinejad-regime. But the author questions how “moderate” Ahmadinejad’s critics and potential replacements really were.Chpt. 10: The author ponders “what can be done about [Islamist] Iran”: war, reestablishment of friendly relations, or a continuum of the not-quite-open-warfare hostilities between the two advisories.While this book's title is "The Complete Infidel’s Guide to Iran” it gives the impression that perhaps the entire history of Iran will be reviewed. A more accurate title would have been: “The Complete Infidel’s Guide to Iran since the 1973 Islamist Revolution”. Maybe the title of Spencer’s anti-nuke-deal book is a cheeky play on “The Complete Guide to Iran” book issued by the U.S. Library of Congress, et. al., of 2012 in promoting the U.S.-Iran nuke deal. Overall, another fine, informative and thought-provoking work by Mr. Spencer.

I took awhile to create a review because I wanted to read Spencer's volume on Iran completely and thoroughly before commenting on it.Robert Spencer has a style he uses to make an argument or carry a debate: rather than simply inject his own opinions, he uses the words of his subject. Thus, in debates on Islam, Spencer quotes traditional Islamic sources, including literal chapter and verse.Spencer brings this style to his volume on Iran. His book is very heavy on quotes from Khomeini, Khamenei, and other parties directly involved in the history of Iran and the relations between Iran and the United States. The Iranian leaders are frank and upfront about their hostility and treachery with respect to the United States. You don't need to have a conspiracy theory to discern Iran's danger and enmity: the leaders are quite open about their intentions.Spencer's book is only 256 pages, but contains an amazing breadth and depth of detail that I have frankly not seen elsewhere. Spencer covers the critical and important points: Iran before Islam and its relations with the Roman Empire, the conquest by Islam and the development of the Shi'a sect; the apocalyptic doctrine of Shi'a which makes nuclear aggression by Iran quite feasible, even in the face of certain and overwhelming retaliation; and the current, hyper-aggressive stance by Iran towards Israel and the US.Spencer begins the book with a detailed chapter on the treaty between Iran and the US to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Again, simply quoting reports and in particular the statements of the Iranian leaders, Spencer makes it obvious just how dangerous the treaty is. In the first place, it's not really a treaty, as it has been ratified neither by the US Congress, nor the Iranian Congress. In fact, it's questionable as to whether the exact treaty wording is even available publicly. Spencer's book shows that the treaty is unclear as to what is really prohibited, the verification has built-in delays and relies on inspectors who are appointed by Iran, the penalties are vague and unenforceable, and the prohibitions expire on their own after a certain number of years.The chapter on the nuclear treaty is probably the strongest and most poignant part of Spencer's book. The entire book is strong and informative, but the well-documented facts on the treaty simply leap off the page. The thing that makes the situation so bad is that the Mutually Assured Destruction situation that dampened down overt conflict between the USSR and the US during the days of the Communist regime simply doesn't apply to the Iranian government. The Iranian leaders believe completely in the Shi'a doctrine that the ultimate triumph of their own form of Islam requires the destruction of most of the world, including the country of Iran. Any tolerance on the part of our government for Iranian nuclear development is reckless and extremely dangerous.The other most poignant part of Spencer's book, for US citizens, is the part leaving absolutely no doubt that Iran was intimately involved in the 9/11 attack. This is not speculation. The book pulls in documented facts showing repeated Iranian contacts with the hijackers during the planning and preparation stages.The other chapters of Spencer's book are extremely informative. He gives important details on virtually every period of Iran's history.I personally would have liked to see more detail on the 1953 CIA-sponsored coup which installed the Shah into power. Now, Spencer gave many facts of which I was unaware, including the fact that the toppling of the democratically-elected Prime Minister, Mossadegh, was somewhat constitutional in the Iran of the time. Still, I personally think the CIA-sponsored coup was a major fork in the road and should have been explored more.Another area I would have liked to see explored more would be the relations between Sunni and Shi'a Islam. It's a can of worms. The Saudis consider the Iranians to be their biggest threat, but collaborated with Iran in the preparation of 9/11. Obviously, logic and consistency is not a strong guide in studying the relationship between Sunni and Shi'a, but it may be vital for controlling both countries in the future.I would say the weakest part of Spencer's book is his 4 or 5 pages of recommendations at the end. For instance, one of his recommendations is "Support Iranian dissidents". The US has shown zero aptitude for understanding or controlling events in the Middle East. The last thing we need is to have further US intrusion on Iranian internal movements that we don't understand. Spencer himself points out that the Green Revolution was anything but democratic. At best, US support of Iranian dissidents would encourage them to think the US would intervene on their behalf, causing them to be more reckless than they should be. Better the US stays completely out of Iranian internal affairs.But, the weakness of Spencer's recommendations do not detract from his book. The purpose of the book is to provide essential information on Iran. It succeeds brilliantly in that. I doubt that any set of recommendations could be formulated which would be valid more than a few months. But, the well-documented facts provided in Spencer's book are vital for understanding relations between the US and Iran, and for formulating rational policies designed to genuinely benefit the United States.

I opened my copy for a quick perusal a couple of hours ago, and found that Mr. Spencer's C-I-G to IRAN elucidates the subject in Mr. Spencer's signature style: Breadth, Width, and Depth all there with Robert's adroit placements of every Punch-Line in the journey. Another masterpiece from R.B.Spencer. Fully cited Bibliography, thoroughly complete Index; included.

Robert Spencer is my hero, Islamic mastermind of it's history from origin to current Islamic events worldwide. If you want to know anything about Iran 's Shia political turmoil, philosophies, history, this book is for you. Recently, an attempt on Roberts life by poisoning occurred in Iceland of all places, Robert speaks as an authority on Islam worldwide. I highly recommend this book!

Keen understanding of Iranian history showing roots that lead to branches.

The Complete Infidel's Guide to Iran is a clearly written and informative book about the Islamic Republic of Iran and the threat that it poses to world peace and security. The focus of the book is on the Iranian government and the dynamics of the current political situation in Iran (since the 1979 Islamic revolution), but some broader history is included in order to provide context and background to the present situation. Spencer makes a strong case that Iran is the most dangerous rogue state in the world, due to its extensive involvement in state-sponsored terrorism across the world, its official objectives to destroy Israel and America and to extend Islam throughout the world through jihad, and its escalating nuclear program. He also sets out his views about what the US and other like-minded countries can best do to address the threat, and he is highly critical of the Obama administration's nuclear deal with Iran. While I feel the book could have benefited from better organisation and more detail in certain places, this is generally a quality book that provides a good understanding of the Islamic Republic of Iran and why it is so dangerous.

EVERY adult should read this. This author is the primary source of correct facts about the Middle East, Muslims and their culture.There is a series of these books, since Muslims do appear to eventually overtake every other ethnicity, you would be wise to read it.

If you really want to know how Western society, culture and values are under attack and how the Obama regime is not on our side -- read this and any other book by Robert Spencer. Probably the best purveyor of truth in this area you can find.

Very informative and clearly sets out the stupidity of the current US regime and the evils of Islam. This I had known before I had read it because of my experience of the Middle East and my reading of the Koran but much more lucid than I could have been!Should be mandatory reading for all politicians and academics in education.

good

Gotta love Robert Spencer

What the bHobama acolytes don't want you to know.

Not as good as the other books. Quite a few factual errors

Excellent!