Book excerpt: In this revised and expanded version of Nikki Keddie's work, Roots of Revolution, the author brings the story of modern Iran to the present day, exploring the political, cultural, and social changes of the past quarter century. Keddie provides insightful commentary on the Iran-Iraq war, the Persian Gulf War, and the effects of 9/11 and Iran's strategic relationship with the US. She also discusses developments in education, health care, the arts and the role of women.