Major Nations of the Modern Middle East Iran

Iran, once known as Persia, is a major regional power. Its size, history, and resources have enabled it to exert significant influence over its neighbors in the Middle East and Central Asia. Iran is one of the world's few countries where Shiite Muslims are a majority, and since 1979 it has been ruled by Muslim clerics as a theocracy. Many world leaders are concerned that Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons, which would disrupt the fragile balance of power in the volatile Middle East. Since 2006, the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany have imposed economic sanctions on Iran, and negotiated with Iranian leaders in hopes of convincing the state to give up its weapons program. Each title in this series contains color photos, maps, timelines and graphics that will help student readers put events into historical and present day perspective as well as back matter including: an index, further reading lists for books and internet resources, and a series glossary. Mason Crest's editorial team has placed Key Icons to Look for throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content rich non-fiction books. Key Icons are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are then used in the prose throughout that chapter, and are emboldened, so that the reader is able to reference back to the definitions- building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Text Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each chapter. They challenge the reader's comprehension of the chapter they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter as well and provide readers with suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. A Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter contains terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader's knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.