Tried to learn more about Iran, only became more confused

[Hax]

Many Iranians I know dislike Persepolis, for very different reasons. If there are a few authors I might suggest, take a look at Ervand Abrahamian's History of Modern Iran,which is relatively short but very good. Mark Gasiorowski also wrote some interesting stuff on the coup d'état of 1953.

As for the Iran-Iraq war, I can't see how anyone would say that Iraq was fighting a defensive war. Saddam Hussein had been considering invading Iran for some time and when the Revolution happened, he assumed that he would roll into and over the country no problem. The only thing in Panzer's post that is somewhat correct is that the position of the clergy had not yet been consolidated by this point, and it was partially due to Saddam Hussein's invasion that Khomeini and those surrounding him were able to extend their influence throughout the country and outlaw parties opposing them. I'm currently trying to go through my sources and find anything saying otherwise. Do you have sources for this, Panzer?