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

Treacherous Alliance: The Secret Dealings of Israel, Iran, and the United States is a book by Trita Parsi, an Iranian-Swedish author and expert on Middle Eastern politics. Published in 2007, the book explores the complex and often hidden relationships between Israel, Iran, and the United States over the past several decades.

Parsi argues that despite the public hostility between Israel and Iran, particularly after the Iranian Revolution in 1979, there have been periods of covert cooperation between the two countries, often facilitated by the United States. The book delves into how geopolitical interests, regional power dynamics, and shifting alliances have shaped these relationships.

Some key points covered in the book include:

Historical Context: Parsi examines the pre-revolutionary relationship between Israel and Iran, highlighting how the two non-Arab states found common ground against their Arab neighbors.

Post-Revolution Relations: After the 1979 Iranian Revolution, relations between Israel and Iran became more complex. The book discusses how ideological differences emerged, but also how pragmatic considerations led to covert cooperation, such as during the Iran-Iraq War.

U.S. Involvement: The role of the United States in mediating and influencing the relationship between Israel and Iran is a central theme. Parsi explores how U.S. foreign policy has fluctuated between support for Israel and efforts to contain Iran.

Iran-Israel Rivalry: The book also covers the intensifying rivalry between Iran and Israel, particularly after the 1990s, and how this has affected regional stability and U.S. policy in the Middle East.

Diplomatic and Strategic Implications: Parsi provides insights into how the shifting dynamics between these three countries have broader implications for global politics, especially regarding nuclear proliferation and regional security.

Treacherous Alliance is often praised for its detailed research and balanced analysis, offering a nuanced perspective on a highly complex and often misunderstood relationship.