Iranian worldview background

In Ahmadinejad's Demons, Matthias Kuntzel explains some of the history behind a certain martyrdom movement in Iran. (Not advised for children or around mealtime.)

The article originally appeared in The New Republic (April 24, 2006), and appears at the above link (Catholic Education Resource Center) by permission.

Update: I was trying to think where else I'd seen Mr. Kuntzel's name, and now I remember. He's written for and been cited at Transatlantic Intelligencer.