Trita Parsi, co-founder of the Quincy Institute and an expert on U.S.-Iran relations, joins Robin Wright, a contributing writer for The New Yorker and author on Middle Eastern politics. They discuss the escalating Israel-Iran conflict and examine the implications of President Trump's potential military decisions. The conversation dives into the historical context of Israeli aggression and Iran’s nuclear ambitions, while also highlighting the complexities of U.S. involvement and the broader geopolitical landscape.
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insights INSIGHT
Israel's Aggressive Strike and Iranian Response
Israel launched large-scale missile attacks aiming for complete war against Iran's military and nuclear scientists.
Iran quickly regained control and responded, showing the initial Israeli disruption was less extensive than anticipated.
insights INSIGHT
Iran's Nuclear Capability and Intentions
Iran is close to uranium enrichment but lacks full bomb weaponization.
Intentions may be deterrence, not immediate attack, reflecting regime paranoia and self-preservation.
insights INSIGHT
Trump's Changed Red Line Derails Negotiations
Trump's shift from a 'no weaponization' to Israeli 'zero enrichment' red line doomed diplomacy.
Israel's attacks seem aimed to sabotage talks, expecting U.S. war intervention.
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The Last Great Revolution, Turmoil and Transformation in Iran
The Last Great Revolution, Turmoil and Transformation in Iran
None
Trita Parsi
Dreams and Shadows: The Future of the Middle East
Dreams and Shadows: The Future of the Middle East
None
Robin Wright
Treacherous alliance
The Secret Dealings of Israel, Iran, and the United States
Trita Parsi
This book delves into the intricate and often duplicitous relations among Israel, Iran, and the United States, tracing their shifting alliances and conflicts from 1948 to the present. Trita Parsi, drawing from his extensive interviews with senior policymakers and analysts from all three countries, argues that the conflict between Israel and Iran is primarily strategic rather than ideological. The book uncovers secret alliances, treacherous acts, and political maneuverings that have impacted Middle Eastern stability and U.S. foreign policy initiatives in the region. It provides a historical backdrop to understand the current geopolitical dynamics and suggests a course for future policy improvements.
President Trump announced on Thursday that in the next two weeks, he would make a decision about the role the U.S. will take in the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. As Israel and Iran traded fire for a seventh day, fissures emerged among Republicans about whether military action is warranted, while some Democrats are urging passage of a bill that would require Trump to get congressional approval before committing American troops and resources. We’ll talk to experts about the escalating conflict.
Guests:
Trita Parsi, co-founder and executive vice president, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft; former president of the National Iranian American Council - his books include "Treacherous Alliance - the Secret Dealings of Israel, Iran and the US" and two other books on US-Iran-Israel relations
Robin Wright, contributing writer, New Yorker - her most recent piece for the magazine is "What is Israel's Endgame with Iran?" Wright is also the author of "Dreams and Shadows: The Future of the Middle East," among other books