Religion and War in Revolutionary Iran (Library of Modern Middle East Studies)

How did Iran's clergy justify their country's devastating eight-year war with Iraq? Seeking to rationalize Iran's war in Islamic theological terms, this study examines Iran's conduct up until the cease-fire and acceptance of Resolution 598 in 1988. The author offers an explanation of each policy and action of Iran's clerical leaders with reference to the Qur'an, theological writings and tradition, and Islamic historical precedent. The concepts of nationalism and the Islamic nation-state, pan-Islamism and international relations are all discussed in the context of Iran's policy of total war. --Bloomsbury Publishing. How did Iran's clergy justify their country's devastating eight-year war with Iraq? This is a closely argued and extensively documented study of the rationalization of Iran's war in Islamic theological terms. Examining Iran's conduct up until the ceasefire and its acceptance of Resolution 598 in 1988, Saskia Gieling explains every policy and action of Iran's clerical leaders with reference to the Qur'an, theological writings and tradition, as well as Islamic historical precedent. The concepts of nationalism, the Islamic nation-state, pan-Islamism and international relations are all explored in the context of Iran's policy of total war. How Did Iran's Clergy Justify Their Country's Devastating Eight Year War With Iraq? This Is A Closely Argued And Extensively Documented Study Of The Rationalisation Of Iran's War In Islamic Theological Terms. The War : A Chronological Survey -- Theological-doctrinal Discourse : Islam And War -- Theological-doctrinal Discourse : The Shi'i World View -- Historical Exemplary Discourse -- Islamic Solidarity And Religious Nationalism -- Justifying Peace : The Acceptance Of Resolution 598 -- Conclusion. Saskia Gieling. Includes Bibliographical References (page [184]-198) And Index. On 22 September 1980 the simmering conflict between Iraq and Iran turned into in a full-scale war when Iraq struck at ten Iranian civil and military airports and occupied Iranian territory along the entire border between the two countries.