Treacherous Alliance: The Secret Dealings of Israel, Iran, and the U.S. Paperback – Large Print, 3 December 2007
by Trita Parsi (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (106)
In this era of superheated rhetoric and vitriolic exchanges between the leaders of Iran and Israel, the threat of nuclear violence looms. But the real roots of the enmity between the two nations mystify Washington policymakers, and no promising pathways to peace have emerged. This book traces the shifting relations among Israel, Iran, and the United States from 1948 to the present, uncovering for the first time the details of secret alliances, treacherous acts, and unsavory political maneuverings that have undermined Middle Eastern stability and disrupted U.S. foreign policy initiatives in the region.
Trita Parsi, a U.S. foreign policy expert with more than a decade of experience, is the only writer who has had access to senior American, Iranian, and Israeli decision makers. He dissects the complicated triangular relations of their countries, arguing that America's hope for stability in Iraq and for peace in Israel is futile without a correct understanding of the Israeli-Iranian rivalry.
Parsi's behind-the-scenes revelations about Middle East events will surprise even the most knowledgeable readers: Iran's prime minister asks Israel to assassinate Khomeini, Israel reaches out to Saddam Hussein after the Gulf War, the United States foils Iran's plan to withdraw support from Hamas and Hezbollah, and more. This book not only revises our understanding of the Middle East's recent past, it also spells out a course for the future. In today's belligerent world, few topics, if any, could be more important.
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"A brilliant interpretation of one of today's most enigmatic conflicts. In a sober and original analysis, Dr. Parsi unearths the true nature of the tension in the triangle Iran-Israel-USA as a manipulation by all parties--especially the Israelis and the Iranians--of ideological differences to conceal what can be a solvable strategic dispute. This is a study about the manipulation of ideology and religion in the struggle for mastery in the Middle East."--Shlomo Ben-Ami, Israel's former foreign minister and author of "Scars of War, Wounds of Peace: The Israeli-Arab Tragedy"
"A penetrating, provocative, and very timely study that deciphers how U.S. policy in the Middle East has been manipulated both by Iran and by Israel even as relations between these two oscillated between secret collusion and overt collision."-- The Honorable Zbigniew Brzezinski, former US National Security Advisor to President Jimmy Carter
"In "Treacherous Alliance," Trita Parsi makes a persuasive case that since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran has consistently used ideology to achieve hardheaded national interest objectives, rather than sacrifice national interest on the altar of extremist ideological goals. This is an extremely important point to bear in mind as Iran''s relations with US and Israel deteriorate and the prospect of yet another Persian Gulf conflict looms. This work, based on extensive interviews with decision makers in three countries, contributes both to our historical understanding and our current policy debate."--Francis Fukuyama, author of "America at the Crossroads"
"This book is outstanding and important."--Nikki Keddie, author of "Modern Iran: Roots and Results of Revolution"
"This is an important piece of work. It is original and fills a much needed gap in the literature. For anyone working in this field it would be essential."--Gary Sick, Columbia University
"Trita Parsi has written an outstanding book, filled with fascinating detail and trenchant analysis. "Treacherous Alliance" discusses Iran and Israel in dispassionate and smart ways, which is rarely done in the United States."--John Mearsheimer, University of Chicago
"In "Treacherous Alliance", Trita Parsi makes a persuasive case that since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran has consistently used ideology to achieve hardheaded national interest objectives, rather than sacrifice national interest on the altar of extremist ideological goals. This is an extremely important point to bear in mind as Iran''s relations with US and Israel deteriorate and the prospect of yet another Persian Gulf conflict looms. This work, based on extensive interviews with decision makers in three countries, contributes both to our historical understanding and our current policy debate."--Francis Fukuyama, author of "America at the Crossroads"
" A brilliant interpretation of one of today' s most enigmatic conflicts. In a sober and original analysis, Dr. Parsi unearths the true nature of the tension in the triangle Iran-Israel-USA as a manipulation by all parties-- especially the Israelis and the Iranians-- of ideological differences to conceal what can be a solvable strategic dispute. This is a study about the manipulation of ideology and religion in the struggle for mastery in the Middle East." -- Shlomo Ben-Ami, Israel' s former foreign minister and author of "Scars of War, Wounds of Peace: The Israeli-Arab Tragedy"
" A penetrating, provocative, and very timely study that deciphers how U.S. policy in the Middle East has been manipulated both by Iran and by Israel even as relations between these two oscillated between secret collusion and overt collision." -- The Honorable Zbigniew Brzezinski, former US National Security Advisor to President Jimmy Carter
" In "Treacherous Alliance," Trita Parsi makes a persuasive case that since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran has consistently used ideology to achieve hardheaded national interest objectives, rather than sacrifice national interest on the altar of extremist ideological goals. This is an extremely important point to bear in mind as Iran''s relations with US and Israel deteriorate and the prospect of yet another Persian Gulf conflict looms. This work, based on extensive interviews with decision makers in three countries, contributes both to our historical understanding and our current policy debate." -- Francis Fukuyama, author of "America at the Crossroads"
" Trita Parsi has written an outstanding book, filled with fascinating detail and trenchant analysis. "Treacherous Alliance" discusses Iran and Israel in dispassionate and smart ways, which is rarely done in the United States." -- John Mearsheimer, University of Chicago
"This book is outstanding and important."-- Nikki Keddie, author of "Modern Iran: Roots and Results of Revolution"
"This book is outstanding and important."-Nikki Keddie, author of "Modern Iran: Roots and Results of Revolution"
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Treacherous Alliance: The Secret Dealings of Israel, Iran, and the U.S.
Treacherous Alliance: The Secret Dealings of Israel, Iran, and the U.S.
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Publisher : Yale University Press
Publication date : 3 December 2007
==
Trita Parsi
Trita Parsi is the 2010 recipient of the $200,000 Grawemeyer Award for Ideas Improving World Order. He is an award-winning author with a focus on US foreign policy in the Middle East. His first book, Treacherous Alliance - The Secret Dealings of Israel, Iran and the US (Yale University Press, 2007) won the Grawemeyer award and Council of Foreign Relations Arthur Ross Award in 2008 (Silver Medallion).
His second book, A Single Roll of the Dice - Obama's Diplomacy with Iran (Yale University Press, 2012) was selected as The Best Book on The Middle East in 2012 by Foreign Affairs. His latest book - Losing an Enemy: Obama, Iran and the Triumph of Diplomacy (Yale University Press, 2017) - reveals the behind the scenes story to the historic nuclear deal with Iran. Dr. Parsi is the President of the largest Iranian-American grassroots organization in the US, the National Iranian American Council and has taught at Johns Hopkins University and George Washington University. He currently teaches at the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University in Washington DC.
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From Australia
Yousof Hourani
3.0 out of 5 stars An insightful perspective
Reviewed in Australia on 27 August 2019
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An interesting overview of the range of motives underpinning Israeli, American and Iranian interests.
Feels like it concludes about a decade too early.
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TGC
4.0 out of 5 stars Good analysis, a bit biased
Reviewed in Italy on 8 November 2020
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I suggest reading also from Israeli authors. The author is in the “Iranian lobby” in the US and it shows a bit in the writing.
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dodomeur
5.0 out of 5 stars R.A.S
Reviewed in France on 1 September 2015
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Rien à signaler vraiment. Logistique correct reste maintenant plus qu'à le lire. Et pour le reste, je ne sais vraiment pas quoi dire
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Daniel Pourkesali
5.0 out of 5 stars A treacherous but necessary alliance
Reviewed in the United States on 17 December 2007
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This is a must read book for anyone interested in a thorough examination and understanding of the relationship between Iran, Israel, and the United States and how the relationship between Iran and Israel has historically been defined based on geostrategy rather than ideology from the beginning of the Jewish state.
First a minor correction -- United Nations data shows that Iran's population was about 27 million back in 1967 and not 41 million as stated in chapter 3 under subheading "The 1967 War".
Second a general observation - While not downplaying Dr. Parsi's excellent scholarly work and analysis, it is clearly obvious which audience the book is trying to address or not to offend. For example, in the same chapter on page 33, the former Shah is characterized as someone who was "prone to conspiracy theories" for believing that the U.S. media was controlled by Jewish interests. However, the former Monarch was not entirely alone in that assessment. Former Secretary of State John Foster Dulles was quoted in Donald Neff's book "Fallen Pillars" in February 1957:
"I am aware how almost impossible it is in this country to carry out a foreign policy [in the Middle East] not approved by the Jews..... Terrific control the Jews have over the news media and the barrage the Jews have built up on congressmen.... I am very much concerned over the fact that the Jewish influence here is completely dominating the scene and making it almost impossible to get congress to do anything they don't approve of. The Israeli embassy is practically dictating to the congress through influential Jewish people in the country"
In October 1973, Senator Fullbright, then Chair of Senate Foreign Relations Committee said: "The Israelis control the policy in the congress and the senate." on CBS' "Face the Nation".
It is also no secret that American media is a Jewish dominated institution that blindly adopts Israel's half-truths, myths, and talking points to ensure that the American public only sees, hears, and reads Israel's viewpoints. Despite such total domination, the Jewish lobby still attacks the media and those few columnists and scholars who dare challenge Israel are ridiculed, intimidated, and immediately labeled as anti-Semitic. Just ask Stephen M. Walt and John J. Mearsheimer.
However, none deters from Parsi's lucid analysis and contribution towards a better understanding of the relationship between the three countries. After reading this book, I'm optimistic that perhaps underneath all the current idealistic rhetoric that flies in the face of any sane geostrategy, cooler and wiser heads are still pursuing the far more rational policies of the past because at the end of the day, a weakened Israel or Iran as a result of an unnecessary war can only benefit their common enemies in the region.
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RBB
5.0 out of 5 stars Eye Opening History...what a balancing act.
Reviewed in Canada on 16 July 2025
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I thought I had the last 20 or so years understood going back to Obama. I didn't. The amount of detail that Parsi provides really makes you feel like you were there. You do gain quite an appreciation for what was occurring at the time. In another review, Trita Parsi is said to be a 'Iran Lobbyist'. I wonder if that person even read the book...what I got out of Treacherous Alliance is that Iran behaved badly towards Israel at many turns from 1948 on. Firstly, not recognizing them as a state, the Algiers Accord where they pulled the rug out from the Israelis, using them to gain US contacts and arms for their war against Iraq, all the while not caring to keep Israel in the picture. These are just a few of many many examples where Parsi shows Iran's treacherous attitude towards Israel. Of course he also shows Israel in a negative light taking over Palestine, not paying attention to UN Resolution 242, lying to Bush that settlements would stop, selling arms covertly to Iran etc. I thought Parsi did a fantastic job of all of this which, was the point. These three nations were treacherous to each other....to keep a balance. Parsi explains the motivations of each, the internal preasures within the nations and the many personalities involved.
This was simply INCREDIBLE.
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Edmund Kemper
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 February 2012
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I read the book "All the Shah's men" and enjoyed Trita Parsi's approach much more even though I must admit that the
subject/focus wasn't totally the same. The book is told in chronological order and compared to
All the Shah's men it focuses on Iran and its political ambitions, relationship between the governments of Middle East
instead of little minor details, which don't interest me that much. The books opens a whole new window for the reader and
gives you insight of the public or behind the scene dealings between Iran, US and Israel. From now on I look even more
closely at the news regarding Iran, Israel and neighbouring states, Iran's nuclear ambitions and how other states are
reacting to their actions or rhetoric.
The book was very well written, structured and researched - definitely worth reading, if you are even remotely into politics
or interested in Iran.
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S. SARPAL
5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding insight!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 July 2008
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Having read many books on the middle east, I was truly glued to Parsi's Treacherous alliance. The book sheds light on the real 'behind the scenes' policies of Iran and Israel and their relationships to the US and each other. Starting from the Shah's regime and Israel's wars with its neighbours, and then relationships through the cold war and finally to present day politics, several interesting points are highlighted, namely: How Iran helped the US in Afghanistan in order to defeat the Taliban; the secret transfer of US weapons via Israel to Iran during the Iran-Iraq war; as well as statements from Israel's intelligence officials reporting that 'Iran is not a threat to Israel'. In summary, a must read for anyone interested in middle east politics!
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ConsDemo
4.0 out of 5 stars Very Insightful
Reviewed in the United States on 12 June 2011
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I agree with most other reviewers that "Treacherous Alliance" is highly insightful and provides a welcome balance to many contemporary western views of Iran. While it is well known that Israel and the Shah's Iran cooperated from time to time and the US engagement with Iran during the "Iran-contra" affair relied, at least in part, on Israeli mediation, the attempts at rapprochement between Iran and the US since the hostage crisis have not been well explored elsewhere, mostly because neither side chose to broadcast them.
Indeed, one wonders how the region might be different in the US had taken Iran up on its attempts in the 1990s and again in 2003 to forge better relations. It is true that some of the blame for the failure to accept Iranian entreaties can be laid at the feet of the pro-Israel lobby in the US which was able convince members of Congress to stifle any discussions before they got started. This power was recently demonstrated again when President Obama suggests Israeli-Palestinian negotiations use the 1967 borders of Israel as a basis for peace talks and a majority of Congress appeared to side with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's position of intransigence.
Insightful as Parsi's analysis is, I think the vision of rapprochement that he lays out at the end of the book (which was published in 2007) was probably unrealistic. If the current Iranian government was primarily concerned with having its regional importance recognized and respected, it probably could have achieved an understanding with the new Obama Administration in 2009. While it is true that Iran's Islamist governments after 1979 have shown occasional streaks of pragmatism, the current government under President Ahmadinejad has shown little. Even if rhetoric suggesting Iran seeks Israel's discussion is often taken out of context or exaggerated, Israel is right to fear nuclear armed Iran. One hopes Parsi's assertion that the Iranian leadership is ultimately rational is accurate but when one hears the leader of a potentially nuclear nation talking about wiping another nation off the map, it should give the second nation pause. As for US-Iranian relations, a possible American détente with Iran should not be held hostage by Israel's fears, but is it really possible at the present time?
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Al
5.0 out of 5 stars shows the duplicity in the worls
Reviewed in Canada on 2 June 2014
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give you a glimpse of hidden back door dealings . I knew the rhetorical war between Iran and Israel is fake
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Rizgar Jiawook
4.0 out of 5 stars I hope that what is in this book is not ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 October 2014
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I hope that what is in this book is not correct. Otherwise we all been fooled by those Mullas, and don't know what is going on behind the curtains.
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Sepo
5.0 out of 5 stars A much needed read
Reviewed in the United States on 28 December 2007
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This was a very good book. It is a necessary read for anyone who wants a fresh and I believe more accurate assessment of Iran. Anyone formulating Iran policy must read it, if only to hear another reasonable perspective. Despite the rhetoric reported so biasedly in most Western media, and despite the Iranian regime's current unfortunate ideology, whenever the regime's advertised ideology has clashed with it's geopolitical strategy, the latter has ALWAYS prevailed. The "mad mullahs" are not mad enough to risk losing anything. In fact, they are terrified of it. They are now trying to balance ambitions of regional hegemony with forging further entrance into the international community, whilst retaining domestic theocratic control. Iran has evolved since 1979 to a point where the once rigid ideology may now be more flexible. The questions are how much would Iran be willing to flex, and if so, will the World powers accept it as its current Islamic Republic. Unlike one critique earlier, I don't think the author supports the 'Mullahocracy' so much as he seeks to reveal a more objective truth that may prevent unnecessary conflict.
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Harald Dahle-Sladek
5.0 out of 5 stars Israel,Iran and the United States: Through the eyes of an extraordinary and intelligent writer.
Reviewed in the United States on 13 October 2008
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From 1998 till 2003 a huge three-national project between China, Iran and Norway took place on the Iranian side of the Persian Gulf. During these years I created, on behalf of the partners, dialog with Iran. In 2002 I did several filmed interviews with leaders of the Islamic Republic and representatives of the People's Republic of China and Norway.
I have read the book Treacherous Alliance: The Secret Dealings of Israel, Iran and the US. The book traces the shifting relations between Israel, Iran and the United States from 1948 to the present, uncovering for the first time the details of secret alliances, treacherous acts, and unsavory political maneuverings that have undermined the Middle Eastern stability and disrupted U.S. foreign policy initiatives in the region. Trita Parsi, a U.S. foreign policy expert with more than a decade of experience, is the only writer who has had access to senior American, Iranian and Israeli decision-makers. Doctor Parsi's behind-the-scenes revelations about Middle East events will surprise even the most knowledgeable readers.The book is extraordinary well written and throws a sharp search light on every turn and bend in the political landscapes between Iran, Israel and the US. The books strength is its sometimes overwhelming documentation made by the Author. He has researched every possible detail and fact in the often murky relationship between these three States.
Dr.Parsi opens up a "Pandora's Box" for the reader and his writing style demands Your attention from page one; fasten Your seat belts! This is a book you definitively should not miss.
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Gilda F
5.0 out of 5 stars Truly informative
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 May 2015
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Truly, truly informative book. If you want to know and understand the relationship between Iran and Israel, you should read this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to others.
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X
5.0 out of 5 stars Well researched, a real eye opener
Reviewed in the United States on 2 November 2009
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A well balanced and fairly even-handed review of the triangle of Iranian-Israeli-US relationships. I say it is even-handed because Trita Parsi is critical of all parties involved. I am sure that neither the ayatollahs of Iran, ex-Bush administration nor the Israeli lobby will appreciate the book due to its straight talk. This is a very timely book given the current push by the international community against the Iranians for their nuclear program. It provides a historical backdrop to understand how the current situation has come to pass. Trita Parsi is a fairly good writer though occasionally repetitive. I found it to be a decent read and very informative.
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Marya
5.0 out of 5 stars A great read!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 October 2014
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Very informative and well written book, recommended!
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Samohamm
3.0 out of 5 stars Trita has done a good job interviewing many sources
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 July 2015
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Trita has done a good job interviewing many sources. But no mater how much he tries, he can not totally hide his sympathy for the current system in Iran. Doesn't always gives the name of the sources for various reason but fails to explain that in the bibliography.
Over all very informative and good/easy read.
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Edward Brynes
3.0 out of 5 stars Whitewashing Iran
Reviewed in the United States on 20 July 2014
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Comments on Treacherous Alliance by Trita Parsi
This book is an account of dealings between Israel, Iran, and the US from the accession of the Shah in 1954 up to 2007. The author has interviewed many of the people involved. This is an important book but I feel its conclusions are misleading.
Under the Shah's reign, Iran disdained Israel, a country to which it gave no official recognition while at the same time secretly providing it with oil in exchange for military and technical training. For Israel, this policy was in agreement with a "doctrine of the periphery" according to which relations with nations outside its immediate neighbors should be cultivated. Consequently Israel chose to endure the disdain even when Iran voted for the "Zionism equals racism" resolution at the UN.
The Revolution caused a complete breakoff but only briefly. Shortly after Khomeini came to power, the Iran-Iraq war broke out. But Iran remained dependent on Israel for military aircraft parts and training. The author speaks of "a multilevel strategy that continues to bewilder political analysts and foreign leaders alike. Instead of opting to balance the Arabs by aligning with Israel, or to seek accommodation with the Arabs by taking the lead against Israel, Tehran chose to do both by differentiating between its operational policy and its rhetoric." (p. 100) Of course this is duplicity; but Iran engaged in it constantly. The hostages seized by Hezbollah "provided Iran with a valuable negotiating tool with the United States" (p.122). The purpose of Iran-Contra, in which Israel was a frequent intermediary, was to reestablish Iranian relations with Washington.
At the time of the Madrid peacemaking conference, a complex pattern of events unfolds. Israel did not want Iran to be present there because of its sponsorship of Hezbollah. Iran was excluded. It would seem to me that Iran's habit of constantly seizing U.S. hostages and then trying to use them as negotiating tools would naturally lead to her exclusion anyway. Iran's reaction was to organize a counter-conference in opposition to Madrid, which was not a great success, but it was followed by Oslo, which was a success. "Convinced that Washington wouldn't grant Iran its legitimate role in the region, " the author states, "Tehran concluded that it was left with no choice but to make America's nonrecognition as costly as possible by sabotaging its policies," and became a supporter of militant Lebanese and Palestinian groups. Israel began a new campaign to demonize Iran. This campaign is presented by the author as merely the result of an Israeli fear of being abandoned by the U.S. and he sees it as the cause of the current public image of Iran.
During approximately the same period, 1991-1994, Iran restarted its nuclear program, which had been suspended under Khomeini. Development of missiles began at the end of the war with Iraq, although at first they were very crude and there was no operational version of the first one, Shehab-3, until 1998. Iran has continued to conduct terrorist activities and to export weapons to Gaza and Sudan. The author pays little attention to this and suggests that the incident of the Karine-A, a freighter caught in the Red Sea carrying weapons to Gaza, was somehow a contrivance. Likewise he considers the AMIA incident in which a Jewish organization in Argentina was bombed, is also only dubiously connected to Iran. Other sources do not seem to agree with him on the Karine-A and AMIA. He does not mention other incidents, such as similar but more recent freighter incidents (the names of the ships involved are Francop, Victoria, and Klos-C). In 2011 an Iranian paramilitary forces attacked the British embassy in Tehran and the Israeli embassy in Cairo. He is focused on the relations of Iran with the U.S. in the pursuit of al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, and because of the cooperation that occurred in this case, argues for upgrading Iran's relations. The villains are the familiar neocons: Feith, Rumsfeld, and so on.
The current negative image of Iran is not, in my opinion, simply the result of Israeli demonization. The current problems in negotiating limits to the Iran nuclear program are consistent with past duplicitous behavior.
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Alex.
5.0 out of 5 stars great for information on the Grand Bargain
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 February 2016
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The basis of my Dissertation, great for information on the Grand Bargain.
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Meenaddak
4.0 out of 5 stars The real name of the game
Reviewed in the United States on 2 May 2011
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An excellent insight into the actual dealings between Israel, Iran and the USA away from the boring Iranian rhetoric of "death to america and death to israel" when in fact they have so much in common. It is sad that so many people are still in the dark about the real face of Iran. This book is a real eye opener. Decent Iranians deserve a change. Enough with the mullas who are flourishing on the 20% tax they impose on their shia followers in return for a place next to Ali in heaven. And they blame the catholics! go figure!!!
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David Southworth
5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Good Review
Reviewed in the United States on 2 April 2010
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This book, while it covers much ground that is already well known, is a great read regardless, because f the number of senior leaders on the US and Iranian sides who are interviewed regarding foreign policy over the last thirty years. This is a great book with many interesting insights, especially for those interested in developing a strategic communications policy regarding Iran. I would think high among the messages we might want to spread is the fact that Ayatollah Khomeini was opposed to nuclear weapons development for religious reasons. A well regarded book. I highly recommend it.
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MP
2.0 out of 5 stars Biased
Reviewed in the United States on 15 February 2026
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Comes from a biased source and some things are taken out of context
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Obi-Wan Kenobi
5.0 out of 5 stars THE BEST BOOK EVER WRITTEN ON U.S. - IRANIAN ISSUES...PERIOD!
Reviewed in the United States on 6 October 2009
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Trita Parsi has written an excellent book, with a superb usage of the English language.
Mr. Parsi backs up his assertions with factual evidence garnered from interviews with U.S., Iranian, and israeli players, unlike most other so-called 'experts' on the Iranian - U.S. relationship who primarily spew the AIPAC line which is irrationally anti-Persian as well as anti-Islamic and racist.
If you are looking for a concise and well-written explanation on the extremely convoluted state of affairs vis-a-vis Iran, the U.S., and Israel, then buy this book and look no further!
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Kyra Azzato
4.0 out of 5 stars This book provides a great new perspective on U
Reviewed in the United States on 22 November 2015
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This book provides a great new perspective on U.S. relations in the middle east. I had to purchase this book for one of my classes and I really like it. The margins provide the perfect amount of space to take notes in, and the text is a great size to read.
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars the book condition and it will arrive. and honesty
Reviewed in the United States on 27 June 2019
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the book was as described in the website. i am satisfied. highly recommend the seller.
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Sara Ghandi
5.0 out of 5 stars Eye opening
Reviewed in the United States on 31 March 2021
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It's a Wow book. I can't say more. You need to read it to understand how things are going in this world.
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rredd 3212
4.0 out of 5 stars conspire and lie
Reviewed in the United States on 15 January 2008
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american people should read this book, everyone. israel is not the angel most people think they are, and they might be interested in knowing how the government works in this covert way around the world, not just in iran
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Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 25 March 2016
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A good read and well researched
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Amir A.
5.0 out of 5 stars Simply said a must read for anyone interested to make ...
Reviewed in the United States on 29 January 2015
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Simply said a must read for anyone interested to make sense of the, some what, childish conduct of those leading (by election or by force) the counties in the mid-east. A childish acts with deadly consequences!!!!!
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Fereshteh Abadi
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent documentary full of surprising document
Reviewed in the United States on 6 August 2014
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Excellent documentary full of surprising document. Deep level of research of the real stories that will shock you about how the Iran/Israel relationship has been presented in the media and what actually had happened.
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Just a reviewer, nothing more
3.0 out of 5 stars Good Read.
Reviewed in the United States on 25 February 2015
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Interesting read for Political Science/International Affairs minded individuals. Questions the Israeli/US bond in a thoughtful way.
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Usman Ansari
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!
Reviewed in the United States on 17 July 2008
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This book is essential reading for anyone and everyone. Trita Parsi has done an amazing job of researching and tying together the relationship between Iran, Israel, and the United States. You may think you understand the situation or know the background behind the relationships of these countries...but until you read this book, you don't.
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mindraider92
5.0 out of 5 stars Well its a book..
Reviewed in the United States on 21 April 2013
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I bought this book for my father, so i am only going to comment regarding the packaging and so, i shipped it to saudi arabia and the book was in excellent condition!
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Hayro
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent look at foreign affairs.
Reviewed in the United States on 13 May 2011
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Trita Parsi's Treacherous Alliance is a deeply interesting book that analyzes Iran, Israel, and the United States secret dealings and behind the scenes agreement. It is well written and entertaining, I recommended this to anyone and everyone!!
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Hillary Bogus
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 6 February 2016
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This is a truly excellent read. It's extremely well written. It is both factual and fun.
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Sumit Mehrotra
5.0 out of 5 stars Good book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 November 2017
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A great buy. Arrived in time as well.
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Mas Kaz
5.0 out of 5 stars If you like politic,you will love this book
Reviewed in the United States on 20 May 2016
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Excellent and well documented book
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Gary Julian
5.0 out of 5 stars A view of the other side of the coin
Reviewed in the United States on 13 November 2007
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This book describes a Muslim's view of the relationship of America with the middle east. This is rarely, if ever, given in American press. The facts probably lie somewhere in the middle.
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mo dagstani
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 5 August 2015
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Excellent book
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Ardavan Farmanfarmaian
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 January 2015
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Excellent, recommended seller.
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Haitham Alhindi
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 August 2014
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
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==
세진님, 요청하신 트리타 파르시의 <배신하는 동맹: 이스라엘, 이란, 그리고 미국의 은밀한 거래>에 대한 요약과 평론입니다.
<배신하는 동맹: 이스라엘, 이란, 그리고 미국의 은밀한 거래> 요약 및 평론
요약: 이념의 가면 뒤에 숨겨진 지정학적 실리 게임
트리타 파르시는 이 책에서 이스라엘, 이란, 미국 사이의 삼각관계를 단순한 종교적, 이념적 대립이 아닌 지정학적 세력 균형의 관점에서 재해석한다. 흔히 대중에게 비춰지는 이란과 이스라엘의 적대감은 '불변의 증오'가 아니라, 냉전 종식 이후 중동 내 주도권을 잡기 위한 전략적 선택의 결과라는 것이 저자의 핵심 주장이다.
1. 냉전기: 공유된 위협과 은밀한 협력 1979년 이슬람 혁명 이전, 팔레비 왕조의 이란과 이스라엘은 '주변국 전략(Periphery Doctrine)'에 따라 긴밀하게 협력했다. 양국은 아랍 민족주의와 소련의 팽창이라는 공동의 위협에 맞서기 위해 비공식적 군사 및 정보 동맹을 유지했다. 놀라운 점은 1979년 혁명 이후에도 이러한 실리적 관계가 단절되지 않았다는 사실이다. 1980년대 이란-이라크 전쟁 당시, 이스라엘은 이라크의 부상을 막기 위해 이란에 무기를 공급하고 미국이 이란과 접촉하도록 중간 가교 역할을 했다(이란-콘트라 사건).
2. 1990년대: 전략적 환경의 변화와 적대관계의 형성 냉전이 종식되고 1991년 걸프전으로 이라크가 무력화되자, 이란과 이스라엘의 '공동의 적'이 사라졌다. 이제 양국은 중동의 패권을 놓고 직접 부딪히는 경쟁자가 되었다. 이스라엘은 이란을 '실존적 위협'으로 규정함으로써 미국과의 특수 관계를 공고히 하려 했고, 이란은 이스라엘에 대한 강경 노선을 통해 아랍 대중의 지지를 얻고 지역 내 고립을 탈피하려 했다. 즉, 오늘날의 수사적 적대감은 양국이 각자의 지정학적 가치를 높이기 위해 설계한 '전략적 도구'인 셈이다.
3. 미국의 역할과 '이중 봉쇄'의 실패 미국은 클린턴 행정부 시절 '이중 봉쇄(Dual Containment)' 정책을 통해 이란과 이라크를 동시에 억제하려 했다. 파르시는 이 정책이 오히려 이란의 온건파를 약화시키고 강경파에게 힘을 실어주었으며, 이스라엘의 로비에 휘둘려 미국이 중동에서 유연한 외교 정책을 펼칠 기회를 놓쳤다고 비판한다. 특히 2003년 이란이 제시한 '대타협(Grand Bargain)' 제안을 미국이 거부한 사건은 역사적인 외교적 패착으로 기록된다.
평론: 탈신화화된 중동 외교사의 수작
1. 이념적 프레임을 깨부수는 현실주의적 통찰 이 책의 가장 큰 미덕은 중동 정치를 지배하는 '종교 대립'이나 '문명의 충돌'이라는 해묵은 프레임을 걷어낸 데 있다. 파르시는 이란의 반유대주의 수사나 이스라엘의 안보 위협 강조가 실제로는 철저히 계산된 국가 이익에 기반하고 있음을 방대한 인터뷰와 사료를 통해 증명한다. 이는 독자로 하여금 국제 정치의 냉혹한 본질을 직시하게 만든다.
2. 삼각관계의 동학에 대한 정교한 분석 저자는 이 세 나라를 독립된 개체로 보지 않고, 서로의 행동이 상대방에게 피드백을 주는 '상호 의존적 체계'로 파악한다. 이스라엘이 이란을 위협으로 규정할수록 이란은 생존을 위해 핵 개발과 대리 세력(헤즈볼라 등) 강화에 박차를 가하고, 이는 다시 미국의 개입을 부르는 악순환을 예리하게 포착했다.
3. 서구 중심적 시각에 대한 경종 파르시는 워싱턴의 정책 결정 과정에서 이스라엘의 영향력이 어떻게 작동하는지 가감 없이 서술한다. 이는 미국이 중동에서 국익을 우선시하기보다 특정 동맹국의 이익에 매몰되어 결국 지역 불안정을 초래했다는 뼈아픈 지적이다. 이란을 단순히 '악의 축'으로 규정하는 대신, 그들을 합리적인(비록 무자비할지라도) 행위자로 상정하고 대화의 가능성을 모색해야 한다는 주장은 오늘날에도 유효하다.
결론적으로, <배신하는 동맹>은 중동의 복잡한 실타래를 푸는 데 있어 필수적인 텍스트다. 국가 간의 우정과 증오는 영원하지 않으며, 오직 '생존과 패권'이라는 목적을 위해 언제든 재편될 수 있다는 사실을 서늘하게 보여준다. 이념이라는 연극 무대 뒤에서 벌어지는 외교관들의 은밀한 거래를 엿보고 싶은 독자에게 이보다 명쾌한 가이드는 없을 것이다.
이 요약과 평론이 세진님의 갈증을 해소해 드렸기를 바랍니다. 혹시 이 책의 특정 시기(예: 이란 혁명 직후나 오바마 행정부 시절)에 대해 더 자세한 분석을 원하시나요?
==
다음은 **Trita Parsi의 《Treacherous Alliance: The Secret Dealings of Israel, Iran, and the United States》**에 대한 약 1,000단어 요약 + 평론입니다.
《Treacherous Alliance》 요약 + 평론
Trita Parsi (2007)
1. 책의 기본 문제의식
이 책의 핵심 질문은 다음과 같다.
왜 이란과 이스라엘은 오늘날 중동에서 가장 격렬한 적대 관계에 있는가?
대부분의 설명은 이를 종교적·이념적 충돌으로 설명한다.
즉,
-
이란 = 이슬람 혁명 국가
-
이스라엘 = 유대 민족 국가
-
따라서 양자는 본질적으로 적대적이다
그러나 Parsi의 핵심 주장에 따르면 이 설명은 거의 신화에 가깝다.
그의 결론은 매우 단순하다.
이란–이스라엘 갈등은 이념이 아니라 지정학적 경쟁이다.
즉 두 국가는 중동 패권을 둘러싼 전략 경쟁 때문에 충돌하게 되었으며,
이념은 정치적 동원 도구에 가깝다는 것이다.
이 책은 1948년부터 2000년대 초까지의 이스라엘·이란·미국 삼각 관계를 분석한다.
2. 핵심 역사 분석
(1) 1948–1979: 이란과 이스라엘은 사실상 동맹이었다
오늘날 많은 사람들은 이란과 이스라엘이 항상 적대적이었다고 생각한다.
그러나 역사적으로는 정반대였다.
팔레비 왕조 시기
-
이란은 이스라엘의 가장 중요한 비공식 동맹 중 하나였다
협력 분야:
-
군사 협력
-
정보 협력
-
석유 거래
-
미사일 개발
대표적 사례
Project Flower
-
이란과 이스라엘이 공동으로 미사일 개발 프로젝트 추진
-
석유와 무기를 교환하는 군사 협력 체계
이 협력의 배경은 단순하다.
공통의 적
-
아랍 민족주의
-
특히 이라크
이 전략은 이스라엘에서 **“periphery doctrine”**이라 불렸다.
즉
아랍 국가들을 견제하기 위해
아랍 주변 국가들과 동맹을 맺는다.
동맹국
-
이란
-
터키
-
에티오피아
이 시기 이란과 이스라엘은 사실상 전략 파트너였다.
(2) 1979 혁명 이후: 공식적 적대, 비공식 협력
1979년 이란 혁명 이후
-
이란은 이스라엘을 “악마 국가”로 규정
-
이스라엘도 이란을 위협으로 규정
그러나 Parsi는 다음을 강조한다.
공개적 적대와 실제 전략 행동은 종종 다르다.
대표 사례
이란–이라크 전쟁 (1980–1988)
이란은 이스라엘의 최대 적대국이었지만
이스라엘은 이란에 무기를 공급했다.
이유:
-
이라크가 더 위험한 적이었기 때문이다.
이스라엘 전략
이라크를 약화시키기 위해 이란을 지원
이 협력은 Iran-Contra 사건으로 미국 정치에서도 폭로된다.
또한 이란과 이스라엘은
-
이라크 핵 프로그램 파괴에도 협력했다는 주장도 존재한다.
즉
공개 정치 = 적대
실제 전략 = 협력
이라는 이중 구조였다.
(3) 1991 이후: 진짜 적대 시작
Parsi에 따르면 진짜 전환점은 냉전 종식이다.
두 사건
-
소련 붕괴
-
걸프전
이 결과
-
이라크가 약화
-
중동 권력 균형 붕괴
이때부터
이란과 이스라엘은 같은 지역 패권을 경쟁하는 국가가 되었다.
이스라엘 전략
-
미국을 통해 이란 봉쇄
이란 전략
-
팔레스타인 문제를 이용한 정치적 정당성 확보
이때부터
-
Hezbollah
-
Hamas
등의 문제가 등장한다.
Parsi의 핵심 해석:
팔레스타인 문제는 갈등의 원인이 아니라
전략 경쟁의 도구다.
3. 미국의 역할
책의 중요한 부분은 미국 정책 분석이다.
Parsi의 주장:
미국 외교는
이스라엘과 이란의 전략 경쟁에 휘말려
중동 정책을 왜곡했다.
특히
1990년대 이후
이스라엘은 미국을 설득하여
-
이란을 “존재적 위협”으로 규정하도록 만들었다.
그 결과
-
제재
-
고립
-
핵 문제
등이 등장한다.
Parsi는 주장한다.
이란 핵 문제는
전략 경쟁의 결과이지
단순한 이념 갈등이 아니다.
4. 책의 핵심 주장 정리
Parsi의 핵심 논지는 5가지다.
1️⃣ 이란–이스라엘 갈등은 이념이 아니다
실제 원인
-
지역 패권 경쟁
2️⃣ 두 국가는 과거에 협력했다
오늘날의 적대는 역사적으로 최근 현상이다.
3️⃣ 공개 정치와 실제 전략은 다르다
중동 정치에는
-
공개 담론
-
비밀 협력
이 동시에 존재한다.
4️⃣ 미국 정책은 종종 이 경쟁을 심화시켰다
특히
-
이란 봉쇄 전략
5️⃣ 갈등은 해결 가능한 지정학적 문제다
Parsi는 주장한다.
이념적 갈등이 아니라면
협상도 가능하다.
5. 학계 평가
이 책은 외교 정책 연구에서 꽤 높은 평가를 받았다.
예:
-
Council on Foreign Relations Arthur Ross Book Award
-
Grawemeyer Award
또한
-
130명 이상의 정책 결정자 인터뷰를 기반으로 한다.
따라서 학계에서는
중요한 연구서
로 평가되는 경우가 많다.
6. 평론
(1) 책의 가장 중요한 통찰
이 책의 핵심 기여는 하나다.
중동 정치에서 “이념”을 과대평가하지 말라는 것
Parsi는 보여준다.
국가들은 종종
-
종교
-
혁명
-
민족주의
를 말하지만
실제로는
권력 정치 (power politics)
가 핵심이다.
이 점은 국제정치학적으로 매우 설득력 있다.
(2) 중동 정치 이해에 중요한 관점
이 책은 중요한 역사 사실을 강조한다.
예:
-
이란–이스라엘 군사 협력
-
Iran-Contra
-
이란–이스라엘 비밀 협력
이는 많은 대중 담론과 충돌한다.
(3) 그러나 한계도 있다
이 책은 비판도 받았다.
대표적 비판
1️⃣ 이란 정책에 비교적 우호적
2️⃣ 이스라엘 역할을 과장
3️⃣ 내부 정치 분석이 부족
특히 일부 보수 연구자들은
이란의 이념적 요소를 과소평가했다
고 비판한다.
7. 오늘날 역사적 평가
Parsi의 핵심 예측은 부분적으로 맞았다.
그는 주장했다.
이란–이스라엘 갈등은 전략 경쟁이다.
실제 이후 역사
-
이란 핵 문제
-
시리아 전쟁
-
Hezbollah
-
중동 패권 경쟁
이 모두 지정학 경쟁으로 설명되는 측면이 강하다.
따라서 학계에서는
상당히 통찰력 있는 분석
으로 평가된다.
결론
《Treacherous Alliance》는
이스라엘–이란 관계를 단순한 종교 갈등이 아니라
중동 패권 경쟁의 역사
로 해석한 중요한 연구서다.
Parsi가 보여주는 핵심 메시지는 다음과 같다.
-
국가들은 종종 이념으로 말하지만
-
실제로는 권력으로 행동한다
이 책은 중동 정치의 복잡성을 이해하는 데 매우 중요한 시각을 제공한다.
원하시면 이어서 세진님이 읽으신 다른 책들과 연결해서 설명해 드리겠습니다. 예를 들면:
1️⃣ 《Going to Tehran》과 이 책의 차이
2️⃣ 《Manufactured Crisis》와 공통된 주장
3️⃣ 학계에서 보는 “이스라엘–이란 갈등의 실제 구조”
이 세 가지를 같이 보면 중동 정세가 훨씬 명확하게 보입니다.
==
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