War and State

As Recounted in the Memoirs of Seyyed Mohammad Sadr

Mahya Hafezi
Translated by Kianoush Borzouei

2025-1-13

Seyyed Mohammad Sadr, the son of Ayatollah Seyyed Reza Sadr and nephew of Imam Musa Sadr, is a politician who has held various positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, and the Expediency Discernment Council. The book War and State chronicles his memories as the Political-Social Deputy of the Ministry of Interior during the years 1985 to 1989. The research and writing of this work were undertaken by Mohammad Ghobadi and published by Soore Mehr Publishing House.

Previously, the narrator detailed his family background, birth, education, and tenure at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs up to 1985 in the book Revolution and Diplomacy. The book War and State continues this narrative, with approximately the first five pages being identical to the concluding sections of the previous work. Throughout the chapters, the narrator occasionally references his earlier book.

The text of the book is derived from interviews conducted by the narrator in 1996 with the Office of Islamic Revolution Literature, in 2008 with the Center for Islamic Revolution Documents, and in 2019 with the compiler of the book. Additionally, a review of press archives and the narrator’s scattered daily notes from his tenure at the Ministry of Interior complement the memoirs. The book is structured in a question-and-answer format, skillfully blending the three types of interviews with the daily notes into a smooth and cohesive narrative.

The content is presented without conventional chapter divisions. However, for easier accessibility, the text is organized into 36 thematic categories, listed at the beginning of the book. Regarding the intertwined nature of the topics, the compiler notes in the preface:
"How could I separate the events of war and the frontlines from government decisions and their impact on streets and citizens? How could one discuss sanctions without addressing their effects on the frontlines and the home front? And how should I present administrative and political affairs interwoven with the memoirs without highlighting shared viewpoints and differing perspectives?"

The elaboration within the text is precise and commendable. This includes explanatory notes from the compiler, along with supplementary remarks by the narrator, provided as footnotes. The footnotes encompass a wide range of details, from additional explanations and introductions of individuals to specifics like the exchange rate of the dollar during the discussed years, reflecting respect for the audience and a keen understanding of their potential concerns.

One of the distinguishing features of this book is the accurate oversight by the interviewer over the narratives presented. The interviewer’s astuteness and skill in steering the conversations have ensured that the narratives remain focused. Wherever necessary, the interviewer interjected with questions or pauses to prevent digression or unnecessary elaboration. This approach not only enhances the coherence of the text but also lends a more authentic and documented dimension to the memoirs—addressing one of the principal challenges in the field of oral history.

Despite criticisms of the narrator's perspective, the book's strengths cannot be overlooked. It effectively provides a collection of precise and detailed accounts of historical events, particularly the final years of the war and the subsequent period. Many of the narrator’s statements and recollections are published here for the first time, enriching the book’s content. Additionally, the book’s rigorous research and meticulous scholarship highlight the author’s commitment to presenting detailed narratives. The consistency of the text and the coherence of the accounts help the reader gain a comprehensive and clear understanding of the conditions and transformations of the time.

While the narration occasionally reflects subjective judgments, it ultimately contributes to a more comprehensive and accurate understanding for the audience of the significant political and social developments of that era. Alongside its accounts, the book delves into lesser-known aspects of history, making it a valuable and thought-provoking resource for those interested in contemporary Iranian history due to its fresh narratives, thorough research, and masterful compilation.

The first edition of the book War and State: Memoirs of Seyyed Mohammad Sadr was published in 2024 (1403 SH) in 352 pages, with an initial print run of 1,250 copies, in a medium octavo format, priced at 290,000 Tomans.