Book description
For much of the world, Iran's 2009 summer of upheaval was an epic
piece of theatre distantly observed. As citizens took to the streets
in their millions to protest a stolen election and the regime that
made it possible, and later, in smaller numbers, did battle with the
shock troops of the Islamic Republic, so the country became
effectively off limits for the world's media. This dramatic
confrontation - and the deep divisions that opened among Iran's rulers
as a result - have yet to be convincingly described for a Western audience.
Afsaneh Moqadam observed and took part in the momentous events of
that summer. Here, through the eyes of Mohsen, one of Tehran's young,
courageous protesters, Moqadam tells the story of these historic
months, from the mass marches that greeted the disputed election
results to their brutal suppression by the hated Basij militia - and a
dark aftermath of imprisonment, torture and a show trial worthy of
Stalinist Russia.
The result is an inspiring account of a confrontation that has
signalled the fragility of the Islamic Republic and given pause to
those Western leaders, notably President Barack Obama, who must
grapple diplomatically with what may become the world's next nuclear
power. Above all, Death to the Dictator! is testament to the
resilience of the human spirit, and its ability to strike fear in the
hearts of despots.
Afsaneh Moqadam is a pseudonym. It has been adopted to protect the
identity of the author, who witnessed and participated in many of the
events described in this book.
