Treacherous Alliance: The Secret Dealings of Israel, Iran, and the United States

by Trita Parsi

Book Overview

The first book to untangle the complex and often duplicitous relations among Israel, Iran, and the United States In this era of superheated rhetoric and vitriolic exchanges between the leaders of Iran... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0300120575
• ISBN13: 9780300120578
• Release Date: October 2007
• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Length: 361 Pages
• Weight: 1.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.6" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Excellent, objective, and very timely book

I'm sure some will criticize and dismiss this book, mainly because it does a very fair and objective job of laying out both the positive and negative outcomes of American, Iranian and Israeli actions and decisions. If you are either in the camp that believes the US and Israel are doing God's work in fighting those evil Muslim terrorists and can therefore do no wrong, you won't like this book. Conversely, if you think Israel is the root of all evil, you won't like this book either. This book is DEFINITELY a must read if you have an open mind and want to better understand the dynamics of the struggle for dominance in the Middle East.

A fascinating work that should be read by those seeking a better understanding of the Middle East ma

Trita Parsi's timely and relevant treatise about the turbulent relationship between two important Middle Eastern nations, Israel and Iran, and how this has influenced American policies in the region is a work that needs to be read by both policy makers and inquistive minds alike. The complex and often confusing nature of diplomacy and political dealings are carefully examined and objectively presented in this well researched text that answers many puzzling questions which mainstream media elements tend to overlook. The countries of Israel and Iran both have geopolitical interests that have at times paralleled one another and at other times have been diametrically opposed to one another. Parsi dissects the historical framework that has caused these two nations to have a love-hate relationship over the past 50 years and how this has impacted U.S. foreign policy often with counterproductive results for the Middle East region. Parsi has done a splendid job in researching factual information. Throughout the book, he pays careful attention to detail and provides continuous thought provoking references and citations obtained through a thorough investigative process. The book is devoid of overwhelming emotionalism and blatant subjectivity, two common attributes that are often apparent in most discussions and presentations of Middle Eastern politics. Parsi does not wish to blame any particular nation or group but wishes to inform the reader that double standards and hidden agendas have come into play in the triangualr relationship among Israel, Iran, and the United States. TREACHEROUS ALLIANCE is a must read for anyone wishing to better understand the intricacies and complexities of Middle Eastern politics, particularly at this critical juncture in history where global conflicts seem unavoidable. Trita Parsi is a genuine scholar whose work can be a ray of hope in a cloud of despair that hovers over a region mired in conflicts but whose peoples aspire for a brighter tommorow.

Iran and the US

Treacherous Alliance: The Secret Dealings of Israel, Iran, and the United States I am a registered Republican who supported/s both the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. But after reading Trita Parsi's book I find I am opposed to any strike/attack on Iran at this time. I enjoyed the cultural and geopolitical history of Persia/Iran and their relationship with Persian Jews. I also enjoyed reading about the historical events and dealings between Israel, Iran, and the US during the Shah, Khomanei and current Islamic Theocracy including the Iran/Contra time period. Most interesting are the sections of the book where he discusses Iran's help to the US during the outbreak of war in Afghanistan in terms of Intel on the Taliban and when we took Baghdad during OIF in terms of their (Iran's) request to open diplomatic talks with Iran who was willing to put "everything" on the table including their ending aid to Hezbollah in southern Lebabnon and Hamas in the West Bank and open monitoring of any and all nuclear/biological/ and/or chemical sites we might be concerned about. Those requests were made to senior current Administration folks through the Swiss Embassy which was ignored. Essentially this book reveals that war with Iran is not inevitable and how Dipolmacy with Iran could even aid both current wars. Definitely worth a read. I have written my Congressman and both Senators to ask them or their Staff to read the book.

insight into one of the most mis-understood international relationships

Unlike the first reviewer who obviously didn't even skim the book, I would attest that this revealing and insightful book is brimming with historical facts, anecdotes, and analysis that simply can not be found elsewhere. (The author interviewed dozens of high-ranking Israeli, American, and Iranian officials inside Israel and Iran - the analysis never comes across as conjecture) The basic premise of the book, based on over 130 first-hand interviews with the highest ranking officials in all three countries, is that the basic geo-political and national interest concerns of Iran and Israel have guided their foreign policy from one of convergence to divergence. It further paints a clear picture of why the conventional wisdom regarding the dominance of an ideological driving force in their bilateral dealings is a false one - and shows how it can and has lead to miscalculations in the United States' foreign policy in the region. The book is also a very easy read for those unfamiliar with the intricacies of international relations yet manages to provide a ton of new facts and anecdotes for even the most ardent student of modern middle eastern political history. I highly recommend this book to any and all who are curious about Iran and Israel's role in the middle east over the next few decades, particularly with the heightened tensions that seem to point to a military conflict in the near term.

Outstanding Book By America's Brightest Emerging Scholar

Based on exclusive interviews, new information, and gritty investigative work, Trita Parsi's book provides the evidence anyone on President George W. Bush's team should look at to rationally understand why confrontation between the US and Iran is NOT inevitable. This masterpiece demonstrates fresh analysis and keeps up with Dr. Parsi's proven credibility here in Washington for objectively and (at times) unconventionally calling out developments in the US-Iranian relationship, regardless of which neoconservatives or pro-war hawks might cringe. Treacherous Alliance is tightly written and readable for all levels of the public who are moderately informed and interested in foreign policy. Academics will mine through the numerous exclusive quotes provided and timeless high-level quotes obtained, as well as the many pages of footnotes (and even leaked documents!) for those looking to do spinoff research and analysis. At a time when drumbeats by DC policy dead-enders persist for a new military confrontation with Iran, finally a credible, air-tight book arrives to preempt their arguments for the next global disaster. For those who don't read Dr. Parsi's book, fortunately the major American and international news outlets, including CNN, BBC, and al-Jazeera are on to him and host him as a frequent guest expert. This book deserves a Pulitzer.