The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie

Lawrence Wright: America's Misadventures in Wars, Cults, and Panics

92 snips
May 28, 2025
Join acclaimed journalist Lawrence Wright, author of influential works like 'Going Clear' and 'The Looming Tower,' as he discusses his new novel set in the Middle East. He delves into the enduring Israeli-Palestinian conflict and America’s complicated role in the war on terror. Wright also explores Texas's rising influence on national politics and reflects on societal moral panics, including the Satanic panic of the '80s. Through personal stories, he reveals the fascinating allure of belief systems like Scientology and their impact on individuals.
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INSIGHT

Roots of Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

  • The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is deeply rooted in religious claims and historical narratives that shape each side’s attachment to the land.
  • Similarities between the groups paradoxically fuel intense conflict, as they project despised traits onto each other, complicating peace efforts.
INSIGHT

Al-Qaeda's Origins and Strategy

  • Al-Qaeda’s origins lie in radicalized Egyptian prisoners whose harsh treatment bred resentment.
  • Bin Laden’s strategy shifted to targeting the "far enemy"—the US—to influence the "near enemy" in the Muslim world.
INSIGHT

America’s Global Impact Blind Spot

  • America's global interventions often backfire and have led to widespread discrediting of its democratic example.
  • The US tends to view the world through a one-way mirror, unaware of how much it is seen and judged abroad.
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