I’d like to learn more about Iran, but without the “Islam/Iran bad” overtones. I’m well aware Iran is far from ideal, far from being socialist, but I’ve been unable to find English language books where the author themselves doesn’t have an admittedly anti/pro-Iran agenda.

Given Iran’s critical position in the Middle East and their increasing cooperation with Russia for weapons/defense I think it’s important for leftists to start thinking about how to relate to Iran. My current perspective is to view Iran as a victim of imperialism and I’m grateful for their support of Palestinians, but I’m not sure how to relate to the reports of extreme repression within Iran. The repression seems totally illogical and self harming to Nizam. I have to assume I simply don’t understand the material roots and relationships that have lead to the rise and sustained rule of Nizam.