The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie

Trita Parsi: Is De-escalation Feasible in the Middle East?

Oct 20, 2023

Trita Parsi, EVP of Quincy Institute, discusses the feasibility of de-escalation in the Middle East. Lack of pressure on Israel to de-escalate, Biden's remarks on Israel and Palestine, challenges of a two-state solution, domestic politics in Iran and Lebanon, US cultural domestic politics response to Hamas attack, Egypt's role in providing aid and taking in refugees, and reflections on George Floyd protests.

01:19:40

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Trita Parsi

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Quick takeaways

De-escalation in the Middle East is becoming increasingly unlikely due to the actions of all sides, despite clear interests against a regional war.

Neglecting the need for negotiations and genuine de-escalation only leads to more loss of life and worsens the situation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Biden administration's approach falls short in practice, and stronger diplomatic efforts are needed to prevent the US from being dragged into a wider regional conflict.

Deep dives

All sides are acting recklessly, increasing the risk of a regional war

Despite clear interests against a regional war in the Middle East, all sides are acting in a manner that makes such a war increasingly likely. There is a need for de-escalation, but talk of it remains off limits. Examples include the State Department memos instructing employees to avoid terms like de-escalation and ceasefire, as well as Israel mobilizing a large number of troops. The lack of pressure on all sides to de-escalate increases the risk of a broader regional conflict.

Introduction

5min

The Lack of Pressure on Israel to De-Escalate

17min

President Biden's Remarks on Israel and Palestine

5min

The Feasibility of a Two-State Solution in the Middle East

16min

The Domestic Politics Situation in Iran and Lebanon

5min

Wrap-up and Domestic Politics Response

2min

Egypt's Role in Providing Humanitarian Aid and Taking in Refugees

25min

Reflections on the George Floyd Protests and the Current Moment

5min

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"Despite clear interests on almost all sides against a regional war [in the Middle East], all sides are acting in a manner that makes such a war increasingly likely," writes Trita Parsi in an October 15 article calling for the Biden administration to push for "de-escalation" between Israel and Hamas. Parsi is the executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, a D.C. think tank that promotes a more restrained U.S. foreign policy. He is the former head of the National Iranian American Council and the author of several books, including A Treacherous Alliance: The Secret Dealings of Israel, Iran, and the U.S.

Parsi says that although the Biden administration is "well aware" of "escalation risks" that might lead to a broader regional war, talk of de-escalation remains off-limits. HuffPost reported late last week that it has obtained State Department memos instructing employees to avoid terms like "de-escalation/ceasefire," "end to violence/bloodshed," and "restoring calm" in press materials and statements.

Is de-escalation feasible after Hamas slaughtered Israeli civilians and continues to hold more than 200 hostages? How should Israel respond to the worst terrorist attack in its history? What can U.S. policymakers do to make the prospect of a bigger war less likely?

We discussed these questions and more with Parsi. We also revisited the topic of domestic reactions to the Hamas attack, namely the comments of a Cornell professor who claimed to be "exhilirated" by it.

Sources referenced in this conversation:

"Biden refuses to talk 'ceasefire' even though it could prevent a regional war," by Trita Parsi

"Stunning State Department Memo Warns Diplomats: No Gaza 'De-Escalation' Talk," by

"Source: Iran warns Israel through UN against ground offensive in Gaza," by Barak Ravid

"Iran says 'preemptive action' by resistance front expected in coming hours," by Reuters

"Talks fail to let aid reach Gaza; Israel evacuates Lebanon border," by Nidal Al-Mughrabi, Dan Williams and Yusri Mohamed

"Biden is expected to request $100 billion for Israel, Ukraine and other crises," by Karoun Demirjian

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