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Every book Ali Vaez recommended on podcasts
Ali Vaez appeared on The Ezra Klein Show to analyze international conflicts and geopolitics involving the Middle East, specifically focusing on historical and contemporary dynamics in Iran, Israel, and Palestine. During the closing segment of the interview, Vaez offered three distinct book recommendations that shed light on these complex regions. His first recommendation was The Persians: The Age of the Great Kings by Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones, which he praised for offering an alternative perspective on ancient Persia that moves beyond traditional Greek sources. His second choice was The Mantle of the Prophet: Religion and Politics in Iran by Roy Mottahedeh, noted for adding essential texture and helping readers understand post-revolutionary Iranian society and its many contradictions. Finally, Vaez recommended Tomorrow Is Yesterday: Life, Death, and Pursuit of Peace in Israel-Palestine by Hussein Agha and Robert Malley, explaining that the book effectively illustrates how blame is distributed across all sides in deep-seated regional conflicts.
Books recommended by Ali Vaez
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Persians
Persians by Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones is a comprehensive historical study that re-examines the ancient Achaemenid Empire through indigenous Near Eastern perspectives rather than traditional Greek accounts.
Recommended“So the first book I want to recommend is called The Persians The Age of the Great Kings by Lloyd Llewellyn Llewellyn Jones. And this is a really interesting book because most of the stories that have been written or histories that have been written about ancient Persia have been based on Greek sources.”
Where to get it
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The Mantle of the Prophet
The Mantle of the Prophet by Roy Mottahedeh is a celebrated historical narrative that explores religion and politics in Iran through the life and education of a traditional Shia cleric.
Recommended“The second book is The Mantle of the Prophet Religion and Politics in Iran by Roy Mottahedeh. Which also does something rare. It it it adds texture to the Iranian society and helps you understand the post-revolutionary Iran with all of its contradictions and societal trends”
Where to get it
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Tomorrow Is Yesterday
Tomorrow Is Yesterday by Hussein Agha and Robert Malley is a geopolitical analysis examining the pursuit of peace, conflict, and the breakdown of negotiations in Israel and Palestine.
Recommended“It's called Tomorrow is Yesterday life death and pursuit of peace in Israel-Palestine by Hussein Agha and and Rob Malley. And and one thing I really appreciate about about this book is that um it helps you understand how in conflict situations like this there's plenty of blame to go around.”
Where to get it
Books Ali Vaez wrote
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Iran War: How America, Israel and Iran Got Here | The Ezra Klein Show | The Ezra Klein Show | 2026-03-14 | 3 |