Books by Ali (The American University of Paris Rahnema

This book meticulously reconstructs the 1953 Iranian coup d'etat that led to the overthrow of Mohammed Mosaddeq and his government. Mosaddeq's removal from power has attracted more attention than any other event during his tenure because of the foreign involvement, the political, economic and social impact on Iran, and the long-term impact the ousting had on Iran-US relations.

Examines the endurance and influence of mystical beliefs on political strategy in Iran from the Safavid dynasty to the present day. Rahnema demonstrates, with examples from contemporary Iranian politics, that this has allowed leaders to present themselves as representatives of the divine, and their rivals as the embodiment of evil.