I recently read a book on the history of the middle east [1]. Pretty much every reference to Iran in the last thousand years was to how they are still isolationist and clung onto their religious leaders while other parts of the middle east made progress (politically, economic, and otherwise).
There were moments of greatness in Persian history no doubt, and even Afghanistan became a Persian cultural center. But the later history, post middle ages set a pretty strong pattern that hasnt seemed to have changed.
I'm planning to read more on the subject, particularily a book about the history of Shia [2]. I'm not calling myself a total expert on the subject. I'm open to be convinced otherwise...
There were moments of greatness in Persian history no doubt, and even Afghanistan became a Persian cultural center. But the later history, post middle ages set a pretty strong pattern that hasnt seemed to have changed.
I'm planning to read more on the subject, particularily a book about the history of Shia [2]. I'm not calling myself a total expert on the subject. I'm open to be convinced otherwise...
[1] http://www.amazon.com/History-Middle-East-Fourth/dp/01431219...
[2] http://www.amazon.com/Shia-Revival-Conflicts-within-Future-e...