From Persepolis to Qom

As an Indian Diplomat, the author Azizuddin Usmani served in the many countries of the gulf region comprising Afghanistan, Kuwait, Bahrain and about 18 years in Iran. His experience with the coup of Afghanistan, the Revolution of Iran and the Iran-Iraq war are but a few pieces of the puzzle that make us wonder how such peaceful regions ended up in a state of instability and economic stagnation or regress. The author gives an eyewitness account of his experience as an Indian diplomat in...
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As an Indian Diplomat, the author Azizuddin Usmani served in the many countries of the gulf region comprising Afghanistan, Kuwait, Bahrain and about 18 years in Iran. His experience with the coup of Afghanistan, the Revolution of Iran and the Iran-Iraq war are but a few pieces of the puzzle that make us wonder how such peaceful regions ended up in a state of instability and economic stagnation or regress. The author gives an eyewitness account of his experience as an Indian diplomat in Iran (before, during and after the Revolution of 1979) and the coup in Afghanistan. In his book, the author gives an unbiased analysis and attempts to remove the popular misconception that religion alone was responsible for the Revolution. Although not undermined, religion moved hand in hand with liberal and modern thinkers to overthrow the Shah. Ironically, the same support system was later crushed once the new government took charge. As the author quotes, "I have seen every phase of the revolution up close and its changes in the lives of common man, intellectuals and the political figures. All this has been stated in this work, along with the formation and deformation of the personalities that were closely associated with the Revolution". The story narrated keeps you in awe of the diplomatic profession, and at the same time reminds you of how simple (or difficult, based on individual interpretation) life back then was, even amidst the turbulence that has shaped history and led to where we are today.