The extraordinary revival of the Islamic Republic

摘要

Which of Iran's clerical leaders does not recall feeling jittery after President George Bush included the Islamic Republic in his "axis of evil" speech in 2002? An iron-hearted few, is the likely answer. Coming at a time when Iran's own politics was sapped by rivalry between reformists and conservatives, and hot on the heels of the American invasion of neighbouring Afghanistan, that speech was interpreted by many Iranians as a signal that America intended to topple the ruling theocracy. This conviction hardened after America's seemingly effortless dislodging of another neighbour, Saddam Hussein. Indeed, during the invasion of Iraq, Iran put out feelers to explore the possibility of detente.