Losing an Enemy

“An important and fascinating book . . . The most detailed examination of the nuclear deal so far written. Parsi argues, correctly, that the US might not have gained a friend in Iran (it has not), but it may have lost an enemy.”
—David Patrikarakos,Prospect

“Trita Parsi has written a spectacularly illuminating book, recounting in dazzling detail the complex events—both onstage and off—leading to the ‘Iran nuclear deal.’ Among its many virtues, Losing an Enemy emphasizes that the issues at stake extended far, far beyond the question of Iran’s nuclear weapons program. This is and will remain for the foreseeable future the authoritative account of one of this century’s pivotal developments.”—Andrew J. Bacevich, author of America’s War for the Greater Middle East: A Military History

“Trita Parsi has written a superb book on how the Iran nuclear deal was crafted. It is really an inside story, since he had amazing access throughout the process to the key actors in Iran, Israel, and the United States. It is clear from Losing an Enemy not only that it took a Herculean effort to reach a deal, but also that there are still powerful forces around in all three of those countries who want to undermine it as well as any prospect of improved relations between Tehran and Washington.”—John J. Mearsheimer, R. Wendell Harrison Distinguished Service Professor of Political Science, University of Chicago

“Parsi, a Persian speaker and fine author in English, has done superb research, assembling fascinating accounts of the key events in the diplomatic solution to the Iran nuclear crisis. His book is insightful, readable and spellbinding—a must-read for anyone interested in this seminal subject.”—Thomas R. Pickering, former US Under Secretary of State and Ambassador to Russia, the UN, India and Israel

“Losing an Enemy is a riveting account of the diplomacy behind Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran, an issue that will continue to be at the forefront of American foreign policy as we enter the Trump era.”—Francis Fukuyama, Senior Fellow, Stanford University

“Losing an Enemy is an inside look at one of President Obama’s greatest legacies: his historic nuclear deal that transformed the United States and Iran from lethal enemies to paltry rivals. In this eloquently written book, Trita Parsi draws upon his exclusive access as an advisor to the Obama White House, his retelling of the events made all the more riveting by the high stakes that placed the United States dangerously close to yet another disastrous war. What emerges is an eye-opening analysis of one of the most pivotal victories of American foreign policy.”—Reza Aslan, best-selling author of Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth