I just recently finished the book by Stephen Kinzer, Reset: Iran, Turkey, and America's Future, which I found to be an interesting historical read, especially as it is filled with anecdotal evidence of American foreign policy exchanges. His retelling of the US-Iran story is a must read for anyone that's interested in understanding the divisions and apprehensions that define the current state of affairs between these two states. Narrow American interests that were tied to fighting the cold war and at the same time acting as a protector of business created a blind spot among American policy makers toward the abusive and dictatorial regime of the Shah, which made the US accomplices in the eyes of the Iranian people.
Beyond the historical anecdotes, Kinzer rushes through the story to very quickly suggest that the US should follow Turkey's lead in the region as "American have come to realize that they lack some of the historical and cultural tools necessary to navigate effectivel through the Middle East and surrounding regions. They need a guide. Turkey is the best choice." (pg. 201)
Although I like the historical story telling, I am not convinced of the conclusion as he doesn't make a good case. Kinzer was on OnPoint this week and here is the interview: Turkey's Moves
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