ANU academic book launched at United Nations
HE Mahmoud Saikal, ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, HE Jillian Bird, ambassador of Australia, Prof. Amin Saikal and HE Dr Ghulamali Khoshroo, the ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Distinguished Professor Amin Saikal has launched his new book Iran at the Crossroads at the United Nations in New York.
The book traces Iran's transition from a pro-Western monarchy to an Islamic Republic.
"The Australian, Iranian and Afghan missions at the UN deemed it appropriate to kindly sponsor the launch of the book at the Australian mission because of the timely nature and content significance of the book," said Professor Saikal, Director of the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies.
The book is designed to inform policy makers, media, academics, students and the general public about the complexities of Iran's domestic and foreign policy in the most accessible way possible.
It analyses the relationship between Iran and the United States and the implications of the recent thaw in that relationship in the wake of the July 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers, most importantly the United States.
"The book also looks at the difficulties and prospects for the moderate, reformist government of President Hasan Rouhani, who came to power on the promise of reform in August 2013," said Professor Saikal.
"The objective discussion of all these issues have significant relevance to those powers and actors who now recognise Iran as an influential player at regional and international levels.
"The Islamic Republic stands at a critical juncture in its history, but now has a unique opportunity to act as a very influential and stabilising actor in the region and beyond."