Interviewee: Trita Parsi
Interviewer: Lionel Beehner
May 3, 2007
He says that Iran wields influence over Iraq but does not hold a “silver bullet.” Its positive involvement after the 2001 war in Afghanistan provides a useful model, Parsi says. Without Iranian influence in Afghanistan, “the United States would not have likely won the peace in Afghanistan.” Parsi also believes it is “inevitable” that Iran’s nuclear program will be discussed in any direct negotiations. “The Iranians will not help us out in Iraq without getting something in return on the nuclear issue,” he says.
Terms of Use: I understand that I may access this audio and/or video file solely for my personal use. Any other use of the file and its content, including display, distribution, reproduction, or alteration in any form for any purpose, whether commercial, noncommercial, educational, or promotional, is expressly prohibited without the written permission of the copyright owner, the Council on Foreign Relations. For more information, write publications@cfr.org.
What are the implications of growing Pakistan-China commercial relations for the United States?
The Future of U.S. Special Operations Forces
Special operations play a critical role in how the United States confronts irregular threats, but to have long-term strategic impact, the author argues, numerous shortfalls must be addressed.
Reforming U.S. Drone Strike Policies
The author analyzes the potentially serious consequences, both at home and abroad, of a lightly overseen drone program and makes recommendations for improving its governance.
As major offensives get underway to root out insurgents outside the capital, Iraq’s economy continues to sputter and political progress...
Hoshyar Zebari, Iraq's minister of foreign affairs, told a meeting of the Council on Foreign Relations in New York that most of Iraq’s...
Tina Susman of the Los Angeles Times says Baghdad remains unsafe seven weeks after the surge of thousands of additional U.S. forces.