Congressman Wayne T. Gilchrest (R-MD) served as moderator for a lively evening of respectful engagement and open discussion between representatives from the U.S. and Iran which focused on the historical dynamics that frame the current relationship between the two countries. [Webcast available here.]
Questions for discussion included “How did the relationship get to this point?” and “Is it possible to have honesty in this relationship?” Also explored were Iranians’ lingering grievances with and perceptions of Americans after the 1953 CIA-backed coup and, conversely, the grievances Americans may hold against Iran including and beyond the 1979 hostage crisis.
Representatives from both sides talked openly about what lies behind the antagonism between the two countries and discussed constructive ideas and solutions for moving forward. The event was free and open to the public, and was webcast live. Panelists included:
* Bruce Laingen, former Iran hostage and State Department official.
* Stephen Kinzer, former New York Times bureau chief and author of All the Shah’s Men.
* Trita Parsi, president of the National Iranian American Council and author of Treacherous Alliance: the Secret Dealings of Israel, Iran, and the United States.
* Dr. Abbas Amanat, Iran scholar, professor of history at Yale University and author of In Search of Modern Iran: Authority, Nationhood, and Culture.
Some personal notes on the talk are available here.
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