This is an interesting prespective on US/Iran relations. Baer argues that Iran should be treated as a trustworthy partner in the Middle East. He points out that the Sunni-dominated countries have been unreliable and a breeding ground for fundamentalist terrorism. He argues that Iran's terrorism is in the past and that the country wants to be treated as a power in the region.
I agree with Baer's argument that the US has backed despots and unsavory regimes. This is a mistake. I believe Iran has the potential to be a more stable partner because it has the makings of a democracy, but I don't think it is as far along the path to normalcy as Baer argues. I think the choices in the Middle East range from poor to terrible. It is a mess. The US has helped create the mess, and now there is very few options that promise to lead to anything better.
While I don't agree with the book's thesis, it is a useful read because it lays out facts that are not generally known and takes a perspective well worth considering.
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