The United States is currently sleepwalking toward a disaster because it refuses to come to terms with Iran as it actually is, rather than how we wish it to be. We must decide if we can separate our moral disapproval from our strategic necessity to forestall a catastrophe that could dwarf the Iraq debacle.
Going to Tehran by Flynt Leverett






In 'Going to Tehran,' Flynt Leverett and Hillary Mann Leverett provide a comprehensive analysis of Iran-US relations. The work challenges conventional wisdom regarding Middle East foreign policy and argues for a fundamental shift in how the United States engages with the Islamic Republic. By examining Iranian history and the internal logic of its political system, the authors advocate for a grand bargain and a move toward genuine diplomacy to stabilize the region.
Flynt Leverett suggests that current Iran-US relations are often hindered by a misunderstanding of Tehran's strategic goals and domestic stability. He argues that the United States has frequently relied on failed policies of pressure and isolation rather than realistic diplomacy. Through his analysis, Leverett emphasizes that recognizing the legitimacy of the Iranian government is a necessary step for any successful long-term Middle East foreign policy strategy.
The book is co-authored by Flynt Leverett and Hillary Mann Leverett, both of whom are seasoned experts in Middle East foreign policy and Iranian history. They have served in high-level positions within the U.S. government, including the National Security Council. Their unique insider perspective allows them to critique existing diplomatic frameworks and offer a detailed roadmap for improving Tehran diplomacy based on historical precedents and geopolitical realities.
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