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A Single Roll of the Dice: Obama's Diplomacy with Iran Kindle Edition
by Trita Parsi (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars (54)
Have the diplomatic efforts of the Obama administration toward Iran failed? Was the Bush administration's emphasis on military intervention, refusal to negotiate, and pursuit of regime change a better approach? How can the United States best address the ongoing turmoil in Tehran? This book provides a definitive and comprehensive analysis of the Obama administration's early diplomatic outreach to Iran and discusses the best way to move toward more positive relations between the two discordant states.
Trita Parsi, a Middle East foreign policy expert with extensive Capitol Hill and United Nations experience, interviewed 70 high-ranking officials from the U.S., Iran, Europe, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Brazil—including the top American and Iranian negotiators—for this book. Parsi uncovers the previously unknown story of American and Iranian negotiations during Obama's early years as president, the calculations behind the two nations' dealings, and the real reasons for their current stalemate. Contrary to prevailing opinion, Parsi contends that diplomacy has not been fully tried. For various reasons, Obama's diplomacy ended up being a single roll of the dice. It had to work either immediately—or not at all. Persistence and perseverance are keys to any negotiation. Neither Iran nor the U.S. had them in 2009.
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“Trita Parsi’s gripping account is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the human details of recent diplomacy. Parsi recounts it all―the misunderstandings, the fears, the prejudices, the ambitions, and the misreading―that have hobbled American efforts to end three decades of futility with Iran.”―John Limbert, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State under the Obama administration-- John Limbert
“No one in the United States knows more about Iran, or can speak more authoritatively about the complex historical relationship between Iran and the US, than Trita Parsi. A Single Roll of the Dice is a must-read.”―Reza Aslan, author of No god but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam -- Reza Aslan
Selected as a Choice Outstanding Academic Title 2012 for subcategory Western Europe within the Social and Bahavioral Sciences category. -- Outstanding Academic Title ― Choice Published On: 2013-06-10
"With this book, Trita Parsi has given us an authoritative document on one of today's most urgent and nettlesome foreign policy challenges. He not only draws on the published record, but contributes original reporting from the vantage points of all the players, including the Iranian perspective. It will be edifying for a wide range of readers, from foreign policy specialists to anyone with a stake in the outcome―which is all of us."―David Shorr, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists -- David Shorr ― Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
"You gotta get this. . . . Really, it is an amazing perspective on all the elements that go into even the smallest of diplomatic deals."―Jon Stewart, The Daily Show -- Jon Stewart ― The Daily Show
Selected as a Choice Outstanding Academic Title 2012 for International Relations within the Social and Behavioral Sciences category. -- Outstanding Academic Title ― Choice Published On: 2013-06-10
“With the eye of a Washington insider, Trita Parsi assembles all the pieces of this complex puzzle in an original and persuasive way. I am aware of no one who has subjected the Obama administration’s policy on Iran to this kind of sustained scrutiny. Parsi displays a nuanced understanding of the historical context and an exceptionally fine-tuned appreciation for the political conditions and vulnerabilities of both Iran and the United States.”―Gary Sick, Columbia School of International and Public Affairs-- Gary Sick
"Parsi has done a great service by writing the first book on how the Obama administration and Iran missed yet another opportunity for reconciliation . . . [He] explains what went wrong on both sides as well the events and third parties that helped insure that diplomacy would be given only a minimal chance to succeed. Parsi is well qualified to analyse the sad course of U.S.-Iran relations . . . His new book will appeal to specialists and the general public."―Barbara Slavin, IPS -- Barbara Slavin ― IPS
Named One of The Best Books of 2012 on the Middle East by Foreign Affairs ― Foreign Affairs
"A must-read for all those interested in the relationship between Washington and Tehran."―Publishers Weekly, Starred Review ― Publishers Weekly
"The most incisive account available. . . . Eminently readable, sometimes gripping."―L. Carl Brown, Foreign Affairs -- L. Carl Brown ― Foreign Affairs
“[Parsi] explores an important issue in depth and with clarity, providing a useful view of current concerns about a nuclear Iran.”―New Yorker ― New Yorker
“If you want to know the whole truth about how the Obama administration deals with Iran, read this pathbreaking book. Parsi shatters the myth that nuclear diplomacy with Iran is exhausted; it has yet to be genuinely tried.”―R.K. Ramazani, Edward R. Stettinius Professor Emeritus, University of Virginia -- R.K. Ramazani
"Perfectly-timed. . . . A carefully balanced and thoroughly researched account of the tortured US-Iranian relationship in recent years. Parsi is the ideal person to write it."―Julian Borger's Global Security Blog, The Guardian -- Julian Borger ― The Guardian
"Well-timed...Absorbing...A tale of missed opportunities, obduracy and short-sightedness, all of which are pushing the Middle East towards greater instability."―Economist ― Economist
"In this penetrating, thoughtful, and engaging book, Parsi (president, National Iranian American Council) gives the reader a rare glimpse into the complexities of the Obama administration's policy toward the Islamic Republic of Iran in the first three years of his administration. . . . his analysis is balanced, piercing, insightful, refreshing, and rich in facts and details. Readers are going to find much food for thought in this volume, which sheds light on one of the most vexing political imbroglios of the last 30 years . . . this timely book is a must read."―M. Dorraj, Choice -- M. Dorraj ― Choice
About the Author
Trita Parsi is president of the National Iranian American Council and a former Public Policy Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. In 2010 he received the Grawemeyer Award for Ideas Improving World Order, and he is frequently consulted by Western and Asian governments on foreign policy matters. He lives in McLean, VA.
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From other countries
Tony Jefferies
5.0 out of 5 stars A good read
Reviewed in Canada on 4 June 2018
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
In the age of Trump this is a sobering read of the diplomatic process that Trita tells well
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MJ Rosenberg
5.0 out of 5 stars This book is indispensable
Reviewed in the United States on 3 January 2012
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
This book is so good that even though I purchased it for my kindle, I will buy the hardcover too so I can thoroughly mark it up for future reference.
Dr.Parsi, an Iranian-American who clearly feels nothing but contempt for the current regime, describes how the United States has mishandled Iran for decades. Opportunities for engagement (i.e., changing Iran's behavior) were missed over and over again largely due to intellectual rigidity on the part of successive administrations and the influence of lobbyists with a vested interest in continuation of the conflict.
Hopes for a breakthrough came with the election of President Obama whose natural instinct is toward diplomacy, not confrontation, but he was boxed in by lobbyists and by a Congress that takes its marching orders from them.
Obama has been president for 3 years, during which time the US has directly communicated with Iranian officials for a grand total of 45 minutes.
And now, following Obama's approval of a sanctions bill that will accomplish nothing other than to harm our allies and the Iranian people while, quite likely, strengthening the regime, we may be on the road to war.
This is insane. Although we should do what we can to prevent development of an Iranian bomb, the best means to achieve that goal is through dialogue not dumb (i.e., the opposite of "smart") sanctions and mindless rhetoric designed to impress domestic U.S. interest groups (i.e, the "pro-Israel" lobby and end-of-days Christian zealots.
It should also be said that Iran is likely to develop nuclear weapons, no matter what we do. That being the case, lessening and not exacerbating tensions would seem to be wise.
Parsi's book explains how we got to this awful pass and how, despite overwhelming opposition on the part of Americans to another Middle East war, we could find ourselves in one very soon.
Parsi's book reminds me off David Halberstam's classic, "The Best and the Brightest," about the government officials and media figures who lied us into Vietnam. Sadly, Halberstam's book was written after the war. Parsi's is written before the war starts. In short, this book can help prevent an unnecessary and catastrophic war that could lead to many dead, an Iranian rush to develop nuclear bombs, attacks on our troops in the Middle East, thousands of Hizbullah missiles devastating Israel, and the end of any chance for economic recovery (oil prices would skyrocket).
In short, this is must reading by one of America's leading analysts of US-Iranian relations.
MJ Rosenberg
Washington, DC
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Mr. D. J. Walford
5.0 out of 5 stars Clear Analysis Identifying the Crucial Issues.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 February 2014
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Trita Parsi has delivered a sound analysis and pinpoints the precise problems that the United States faces when trying to deal constructively with Iran... and vice versa. Unfortunately, the situation has little promise of being resolved anytime soon.
Back in 2008, when Barack Obama was campaigning to be the 44th President of the United States, he made a solid commitment to engage with his nation's adversaries and enemies if and when he was elected to office. Diplomacy was the new way forward in dealing with the Iranian conundrum and it worked, at least at first. Obama was to find himself facing opposition from all angles, forcing through another series of sanctions against the nation he was originally aiming to create dialogue with.
This is a short but detailed book, Trita Parsi presents an easily readable account of where Obama failed in his diplomacy with Iran. A bright start was ultimately flawed by indecision, mistrust, domestic opposition (in Iran also), a lack of political will towards warmer relations, fraudulent elections and duplicitous allies reheating old ideas. And that is where Parsi hits the nail on the head; a lack of political will in both the United States and Iran to engage in diplomacy and revert to the reassuring feeling of entrenched animosity, dominated this latest attempt to end thirty years of distrust between the United States and Iran.
As Parsi rightly points out, this needs to change if any progress is to be made towards a reconciliation.
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AND
3.0 out of 5 stars libro esaustivo
Reviewed in Italy on 13 May 2013
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Molte dichiarazioni importanti, e retroscena diplomatici pieni di originalità. Parsi affronta in modo esaustivo la diplomazia tra usa e Iran evidenziando gli aspetti meno conosciuti
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Gilda F
5.0 out of 5 stars Informative
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 July 2015
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If you are interested in politics in general and Midle East politics in particular, then you should read this book.
It is the most honest account of events that I have read since "The Treacherous Alliance" by this author.
I usually find that books are written from the writer's point of view and researched from afar in the libraries, but this book is from the actors, players point of view who actually were there when the events took place. I enjoyed reading this book and it helped me to understand the dirty world of politics a bit better. I look forward to a new book from this author.
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S. Naghshineh
4.0 out of 5 stars Obama's Diplomacy with Iran
Reviewed in the United States on 17 April 2012
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
I enjoyed reading this book and found it informative. Was looking for specifics on why the two sides, USA and Iran had not been able to meet and resolve their issues before. Timely book given the recent gathering in Istanbul where all parties involved seem to agree on the positive outcome. I find the book well written and easy to read and digest. As a Iranian American I have been obviously interested in the relationship between the two countries. Trita also an Iranian American has demonstrated access to key players on both sides. The book could have been more informative if it also expanded on the trade history between the two countries and promote the trade upside potential for US firms that are now locked out. The book while factual is still considered an overview of powers at play in political decision making missing out on the impact business trade has on relationships. Ultimately it is not the governments that decide but businesses that drive politics. US corporations thanks to the sanctions are losing market share in a very lucrative part of the world given Iran's rich oil and gas industries and large educated pro American population. The ramifications of the political decisions on trade or lack of it in $ and cents would have added to the book's representation of the facts on the ground. The book all the same is a timely review of how political decisions are made in a difficult environment when many special interest groups on both sides attempt to promote their own agenda.
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lorenwhite7
5.0 out of 5 stars A thorough and objective treatment of Obama's Iran policy
Reviewed in the United States on 4 March 2012
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I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a better understanding of not just what the Obama administration's Iran policy has been but also all the different elements and pressures that have influenced Iran policy to date. This book, while perhaps not as good as his previous book Treacherous Alliance, which is pone of the best Middle East foreign policy books I have ever read, is well written and is filled with a healthy dose of anecdotes and conversations with key policy makers involved in US-Iran relations. As such, the book is more than just one man's take on US policy -- it is an account of what the critical decision makers believe and how their perceptions steered policy in the direction it has gone. Overall this book is both entertaining and informative a must read for anyone trying to getting a better handle on US-Iran relations.
And on a side note, do be deterred by the people giving the book one star ratings and calling him an agent of the Iran regime. Dr. Parsi is well known for having taken on the MEK terrorist/cult group and fighting to keep them on the State department's terrorist list, a campaign which has gained him the ire of many of their fanatical supporters who take every opportunity to slander Dr. Parsi's good name.
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N. Gotti
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 April 2020
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Amazing book, with truly interesting first hand insight into the process that lead to the signing of the JCPOA. Good context considering current administration.
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Enno L. Pirrot
5.0 out of 5 stars recommended wholeheartedly
Reviewed in the United States on 14 September 2012
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An exhaustive, accessibly written account of US policy towards Iran in the last 3 years and as such the only one of its sort. As in his previous books, Parsi can draw from extensive primary sources, mainly interviews conducted by himself with senior administration officials, policy makers and foreign diplomats. The complex interplay between US domestic politics (that is, mainly, Congress' push for harsher sanctions), Israeli security interests, the needs of European allies and the uncertainty of domestic developments in Iran is depicted accurately and yields some interesting new insights.
Parsi puts forward the hypothesis, that the main reason for the ongoing stagnation in nuclear negotiations is a fundamental lack of trust. However, that both parties seem unable to overcome their mutual mistrust is grounded not in confindence building having failed, but rather in it never really having been tried. Every time one side has shown the smallest sign of good will, the other has been unable or unwilling "to take yes for an answer". While this hypothesis is supported by a number of events portrayed in the book, the density of facts leaves room for other interpretations. The main goal of the book is not to give an overall explanation but a balanced description of what happened.
All in all, this makes the book an excellent read for the interested public and practioners in the field, as well as an abundant empirical source for scholars who try to explain US - Iranian relations from a theoretical perspective.
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Roger Green
4.0 out of 5 stars Good sequel
Reviewed in the United States on 27 September 2013
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This is a good sequel to his first book "Treacherous Alliance ... ", which was ground-breaking. It was a hard act to follow and therefore "A Single Roll of the Dice ... " seems less exciting. Also it covers a period in which nothing much was even being tried, much less succeeding. Why that is so is an important subject for analysis, and Parsi does it well, but it is less exciting than success and breakthroughs. Those seem to be happening now, and it is a pleasure to see that Parsi's two books are much cited. Hopefully his next book will cover this period and explain what changed to allow this to happen. BTW for an excellent historical background everyone should read William Polk's book "Understanding Iran". Read Polk's book and Parsi's two books and you will understand more than most of the US administration does, and more than 99% of the US Congress does.
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Fariborz M.
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Read That Cuts Through The Thick Fog Of Disinformation
Reviewed in the United States on 23 December 2012
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This is an antidote to poisonous political posturing that promotes an atmosphere of conflict, aimed at limiting--if not altering--the administration's policy options. The author reveals lost opportunities to settle outstanding issues by both Iran and the United States. Legislative pressure to direct Obama's foreign policy, has undermined US diplomacy with unfortunate results that could not be easily or quickly undone. The author correctly states that "The thirty-year-old U.S. -Iran enmity is no longer a phenomenon; it is an institution." He could have added that it is an industry as well. Several states in the region fear normalization of US-Iranian relations may occur at their expense, or at the very least diminish their current importance in US foreign policy and security calculations. Continuous tension also diverts attention away from thorny concerns regarding peace, human rights, and good governance. The fear expressed by a Natanyahu advisor that "[T]he Great Satan will make up with Iran and forget about Israel," is shared by the ruling elite of several Persian Gulf states. The "dual track" policy that finally evolved during Obama's Presidency was in Zbigniew Brezezinski's words engagement in "polemics and diatribes with the Iranians while at the same time engaging seemingly in a negotiating process... The first is not conducive to the second." The Iranian government did not help matters either, particularly with Ahmadinejad's 2009 re-election and the crack-down that followed it. When Turkey and Brazil, encouraged by the US President succeeded in negotiating a nuclear fuel deal with Iran in May 2010, Washington reacted as it had done in May 2003 to the Swiss Ambassador to Iran's arrival in Washington with a comprehensive proposal the Iranian leadership had given him to deliver to the Bush Administration, that addressed all outstanding US concerns. The nuclear fuel swap that was to be a confidence-building measure to facilitate further negotiation, became a pre-condition for diplomacy. The Turks and the Brazilians had been expected to fail, to enhance legitimacy of sanctions to be imposed on Iran, but they succeeded. The choice was to see the efforts invested to gain international support to impose sanctions on Iran go to waste; or accept yes for an answer!
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Gabe Schultz
5.0 out of 5 stars Essential Reading
Reviewed in the United States on 22 December 2011
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One of the foremost Western experts on Iran, Dr. Trita Parsi has written the most comprehensive account of president Barack Obama's dealings with Iran to date.
With unprecedented access, Parsi interviewed dozens of high-ranking decision makers in Israel, Iran, Europe, the U.S. and officials from various other states involved in the diplomatic process.
At a time when the policy debate on Iran is beholden to special interest groups and relies increasingly on empty sloganeering, Parsi sifts through the obfuscation and injects a much needed nuanced account that recounts the various attempts at diplomacy with Iran under president Obama, why they failed, and what steps can be taken to maximize the chances for success.
Exhaustively researched, A Single Roll of the Dice is the definitive source for understanding the complexities and missed opportunities in the US-Iranian relationship over the past several years.
With Iran looming as the greatest foreign policy challenge we face, this book provides invaluable insight for anyone seeking a solution to the US-Iran impasse as well as those who wish to see a democratic Iran and a Middle East defined by peace and stability.
Replete with exclusive details and revelations not previously in the public record, this is the ultimate guidebook for policy makers and casual followers alike. If you read one book on foreign policy toward Iran all year, I strongly recommend this one.
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Jon
4.0 out of 5 stars A technical masterpiece with a slghtly flawed delivery
Reviewed in the United States on 17 March 2012
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I'll keep this short, as other reviewers have already done more verbose reviews:
Parsi has done a marvelous job of documenting the 2003-2012 period in US-Iranian diplomacy. Nearly every source is cited (something shamefully rare in political writing these days), and he is able to provide solid interpretations and insight into the specific actions of the major players in mid-east diplomacy.
The only area Parsi seems weak is in his general analysis of the region. Here, he too often paints Iran as a victim, and occasionally draws conclusions that seem quite subjective. This isn't to say that Iran has never been victimized by US policy/diplomacy, merely that Parsi seems too ready to declare absolutes in murky waters.
Other than that one minor criticism, this book is excellent, and is highly recommended. Read it for its factual accounting and wonderful primary sources, and overlook Parsi's occasional meandering.
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Matthew M. Frick
4.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding behind the scenes view!
Reviewed in the United States on 21 June 2013
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Trita Parsa had incredible access to people on all sides of the Iranian nuclear issue. The insight provided was invaluable to learning what was at stake, when, and how one misstep after another led us to where we are today. Knowing this information allows the reader to be better informed to follow the current happenings and make their own educated predictions (or at least have an opinion) on what may happen in the future. I highly recommend this very readable account to anyone interested in learning more about one of the most contentious topics on the international scene today.
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C V Finn
5.0 out of 5 stars As others see US
Reviewed in the United States on 16 December 2013
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Trita Parsi tells the reader "the other side" - what Iran did for the U.S. while maintaining its own integrity and avoiding war-like hostility. Remember it was the U.S., having been mislead by Britain via Churchill, that undermined Massadegh and left Iran under the dictatorship of the Shah. Their distrust of the U.S. is merited. The U.S. and we Americans need to understand the culture and mind-set of the Iranians, be patient with their way of doing things and the pervasiveness of their religion. The Iranians are smart and not interested in dominating or being dominated, but they are interested in their own independence and strong enough to withstand bullying. ---Parsi's writing is clear and straightforward. Good reading.
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Steven Ribet
5.0 out of 5 stars A first class work
Reviewed in the United States on 5 March 2013
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This book is truly excellent.
Parsi had access to those involved on both sides of the negotiations between Iran and the Obama administration. He has a deep understanding of the entrenched enmity between the two nations and the elements that, unfortunately, sabotaged the attempted improvement in relations.
This is a first rate piece of analysis and a welcome departure from the bias that pervades the coverage of Iran by Western mainstream media. If you want to get to the bottom of America's current standoff with Iran, I couldn't recommend a work more.
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Amir A.
4.0 out of 5 stars and the United States was better than A Single Roll of the Dice
Reviewed in the United States on 29 January 2015
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A very informative book (I think Trita's other book Treacherous Alliance: The Secret Dealings of Israel, Iran, and the United States was better than A Single Roll of the Dice; but this book is a very good and informative read; I would give Trita's 1st book a 5 and a must read).
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Andy K
4.0 out of 5 stars Flawed but important
Reviewed in the United States on 2 March 2012
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A Single Roll of the Dice by Trita Parsi is a flawed book - sometimes the language is so convoluted that it becomes incomprehensible, it contains a few factual errors and it is repetitive. However, it is very well researched and is an important text documenting a critical phase of Obama's foreign policy.
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Eiman Zolfaghari
5.0 out of 5 stars A great read.
Reviewed in the United States on 26 January 2012
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Trita Parsi does a great job analyzing U.S.-Iran relations. He has interviewed top officials in various governments and organizations, people with varying prisms of viewpoint on this contentious issue. Anyone involved with bringing peace between Iran and the West should read this book. I hope to God that we will soon see an Iran where human rights are truly respected and a strong democracy exists there.
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Khimoiddin
5.0 out of 5 stars Well written book
Reviewed in the United States on 10 May 2014
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This is an impartial explanation of the relationship between the two countries and explains how long mistrust between the two countries have become a barrier for diplomacy not to produce an expected results on the Iranian nuclear negotiation. Anyone interested in studying the relationship between the two countries should read this book. I would strongly recommend it.
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Mike L.
4.0 out of 5 stars excellent Read
Reviewed in the United States on 4 April 2015
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Must read for anyone who'd like to get some history about Iran US negotions.
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Mar Lo
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Easy Read
Reviewed in the United States on 27 May 2013
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Shipping was extra fast, book came in great quality. Absolutely no complaints for the seller. As far as the content, having heard a Parsi Speech I can say that I enjoyed this read so much I actually read the book with his voice in mind.
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S. Nasiri
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good book
Reviewed in the United States on 12 January 2014
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Provide a very objective analysis of a highly complex go political problem. It is a must read for all American who do not want us to enter into yet another war in middel east
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Rail
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book.
Reviewed in the United States on 13 November 2013
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Excellent book, it does get a little old hearing a US official told me or information from an Iranian official, but it is understandable considering the subject of the book.
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os
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in the United States on 11 September 2012
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The book is very all written, the writer has done an excellent job. I hope there is a follow up to the book as the drama unfolds.
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rahmat sana
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 18 August 2014
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
very good,
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