Ali Khamenei

Children's Literature - Enid Portnoy

This is an impressive introduction to a controversial Iranian leader. It is a part of the series "Modern World Leaders." One of the world's leading American historians, Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., presents a thought provoking essay "On Leadership" to begin the book. He argues that individuals have made a difference in history and uses examples to support his view. A well read student will appreciate the many references to famous leaders and the impact upon their people and world events. Murphy describes Khamenei's humble beginnings, suggesting that his story is the same as that of his country, Iran. The history of Persia (later called Iran) and the Zoroastrianism religion is explained, along with the belief of the religion's followers that there is only one god. Khamenei's rise to power is described carefully in many chapters. It underscores the desire of his people to guard against the expanding Western world, as demonstrated by many uprisings and revolutions. The popularity of Muhammad, the founder of Islam is also included. Islam originally required teaching and conversion of unbelievers, which eventually led to the conquest of other countries by the forces of Allah. No one leader or State was to be obeyed, only Allah and his promise of a heavenly kingdom for all believers. Rivalry and government changes followed after Muhammad's death and Murphy explains how the Shiites came into power and the Sunni sect, and how they developed independent of one another. A chronology of the ruling parties is included in the back pages, along with other references for readers to examine. Moving to modern Iran in the 19th century, Murphy details bargaining of power which Iran had with other countriesas well as the United States and which resulted in little advantage to Iran. Its people suffered under the lavish lifestyles of its ruling shahs. Iran's largest value, as viewed by other nations, has always been its oil and proximity to the Persian Gulf and Caspian Sea. Khamenei's Muslim education and his study of Islamic jurisprudence helped to bring him into the powerful cleric circles. His association with Ayatollah Khomeini is explained as we follow the two men into the power struggle to control the Iranian government. Khomeini became the absolute power figure who created harsh and restrictive laws controlling the people's recreational and educational activities, media and religious practices, as well as their dress and social behavior. At the same time, his follower and assistant, Khamenei made sure all the rules were followed in his selected and elected position as president of Iran for two terms. This well-researched and detailed history of the power of Iranian leadership is informed by the background information Murphy provides. Chapter headings encourage readers to look for major events as significant clues to a complete picture of modern Iran. Reviewer: Enid Portnoy