Ali Javan

Twice Under the Persian Sky Ali Javan

Ali Javan (AJ), a 16-year-old boy living in post-Islamic Revolution Iran in the late 1980s, has a unique problem: he is an American citizen living with his Iranian parents under the repressive theocratic regime of Ayatollah Khomeini. As AJ looks ahead to young adulthood in Iran, he sees nothing but torment: a long period of mandatory military service and mandatory reserve status, followed by a future of increasing limits on his freedom. AJ resolves to escape from Iran and return to the United States, which for him is the land of freedom and opportunity. With the help of his parents, relatives, and two crafty smugglers, he overcomes daunting obstacles to reach America. AJ applies himself energetically to his new life in suburban Washington, D. C, and becomes a gifted multilingual student who earns admission to a major U. S. university. Aspiring to serve his country as a Foreign Service Officer, fate hands him an unexpected challenge: AJ is recruited and trained by the premier U. S. intelligence agency, and given a tough assignment: to return to Iran to undertake a dangerous clandestine operation. AJ will need his courage and stamina, along with every one of his newly-acquired skills, to survive being TWICE UNDER THE PERSIAN SKY.