How Democratic is Iran?

Stephen Kinzer has reported from over 50 countries on five continents, including those with some of the most vexing relationships with the U.S. In his latest book, Reset: Iran, Turkey, and America’s Future, Kinzer argues that the U.S. should look to some unexpected partners for a smarter Middle East strategy – Iran and Turkey, the only Muslim countries with deep democratic roots. “Iran, although it has this repressive theocratic government, is a tremendously vibrant society,” he said. “This is a country that has had a constitution for a hundred years.” Kinzer also argues for a reconsideration of our tight ties with Israel and Saudi Arabia. Kinzer stopped by Zócalo’s offices to chat about the history of democracy in the Middle East and what Americans miss in all the media hype about Iran.

*Photo courtesy h de c.


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