Iran is one of the United Statesa most important foreign policy concerns. It
has also been an extraordinarily difficult country with which to engage.
Ironically, while the leadership has been hostile to the United States,
Iranian society has evolved in ways friendly to the United States and U.S.
interests. This book assesses current political, ethnic, demographic,
and economic trends and vulnerabilities in Iran. For example, the numbers of
young people entering the Iranian labor force are at an all-time high. The
authors then provide recommendations for U.S. policies that might foster
trends beneficial to U.S. interests. For example, greater use of markets and
a more-vibrant private sector would contribute to the development of sources
of political power independent from the current regime. The authors finally
note a need for patience. Even if favorable trends take root, it will take
time for them to come to fruitio