Immortal: A Military History of Iran and Its Armed Forces

Title Page, Copyright Page

Additional Praise for Immortal: A Military History of Iran and Its Armed Forces “The title of Immortal refers to soldiers who were known for their military prowess and their loyalty, the famous elite corps of the ancient Persian rulers. . . . The book provides a long historical perspective of Iranian military culture beginning with the fabled Persian Empire founded by Cyrus the Great and continuing with the Achaemenids, Parthians, and Sassanians. . . . The book’s most original and revealing aspect is its analysis and evaluation of Iran’s military since the Islamic Revolution. It treats the war with Iraq in detail and includes a thorough discussion of the main campaigns, battles, and strategic problems. . . . Ward has provided a valuable addition to the literature on Iran’s military. . . . Military officers and national security professionals would do well to read this book—highly recommended.” —LTC Prisco R. Hernandez, USAR, Fort Leavenworth, KS, Military Review “This study is the only comprehensive history of Iran’s military and as such it is a must read for students of Iranian history and those who are looking to understand the factors that drive Iranian strategic thinking and mistrust of the United States and the West. It is an excellent source book for graduate and undergraduate students studying Iran.” —Judith S. Yaphe, International Journal of Middle East Studies “One of the often-quoted excerpts from Sun Tzu asserts that a successful battlefield commander must know his adversary as well as—if not better than—he knows his own forces. In the current strategic environment, one of our adversaries, for good or ill, is Iran. Steven Ward’s book Immortal: A Military History of Iran and Its Armed Forces provides a valuable starting point for developing an understanding of that particular adversary. The book is strong on narrative and is well written and engaging. It provides a coherent historical framework for those who are seeking to develop an understanding of twenty-first-century Iran.” —Gary Hobin, Army History “This is not only a timely book, and one that fills a gap of information and analysis on the Iranian military, but it also cogently argues that policymakers involved with the Middle East take a cautious approach to Iran. . . . What sets this historical study apart is the depth of the research, the synthesis of political-military factors relevant to each era, and the quality of the writing, making it possible for nonacademics or those without special Middle East backgrounds to profit from reading it.” —Colonel Norvell B. De Atkine, US Army (Ret), Proceedings, US Naval Institute “Beginning with ancient Persia’s feared corps, known as the “Immortals,” and continuing through today’s Revolutionary Guard, Ward offers a panoramic view of Iranian military history—and explains how Iran could still use its geography against its enemies.” —Foreign Policy “Ward, a senior intelligence analyst for the CIA, reminds us that although Iran’s armed forces have not fared well in the past two centuries, they have demonstrated qualities that bear some consideration. . . . Those studying Iran and its military will want this.” —Library Journal “[In this] perceptive and intriguing look at Iran’s military history . . . Ward assesses Iran’s use of military force in both internal and external wars, as well as its legacy of corruption, politicization, and religious interference.” —William D. Busnesll, military officer “Immortal is a superbly written and researched work. Steven Ward has delivered a critically important contribution to understanding the Persian military. This is a must read for those who want to understand Iranian military thinking, heritage, and capability.” —General Anthony C. Zinni, United States Marine Corps (Ret.), and former commander, US Central Command “Before we rush headlong into another Middle Eastern quagmire, it is critical for Americans to develop a greater appreciation for Iran’s military history and capability. Steven Ward’s Immortal comes at a critical moment, when its subject—the military development of Iran—is one of the most important issues confronting our nation. There are few Westerners who possess Ward’s experience and understanding of the Iranian armed forces, and he has done us all a great service by placing his wealth of knowledge at our disposal. Immortal is a thoughtful, fascinating, and extremely informative study of Iran’s military from the past to the very present that will finally allow us to fill a large gap in our understanding of one of the most pressing foreign policy problems of the twenty-first century.” —Kenneth M. Pollack, author of The Persian Puzzle: The Conflict between Iran and America...