Can America help 'de-escalate' in the Middle East?

"Despite clear interests on almost all sides against a regional war [in the Middle East], all sides are acting in a manner that makes such a war increasingly likely," writes Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, in an October 15 article calling for the Biden administration to push for "de-escalation" between Israel and Hamas.

He says that although the Biden administration is "well aware" of "escalation risks" that might lead to a broader regional war, talk of de-escalation remains off-limits. The Huffington Post reports that it has obtained State Department memos instructing employees to avoid terms like "de-escalation/ceasefire," "end to violence/bloodshed," and "restoring calm" in press materials and statements.

But is de-escalation even feasible after Hamas slaughtered Israeli civilians and continues to hold close to 200 hostages? How should Israel respond to the worst terrorist attack in its history? What can U.S. policymakers do to make the prospect of a bigger war less likely?

Join Reason's Zach Weissmueller and Liz Wolfe for a live discussion of these questions and more with Trita Parsi this Thursday at 1 p.m. Eastern on Reason's YouTube channel or Facebook page.

Sources referenced in this conversation:

Trita Parsi: “Biden refuses to talk ceasefire even though it could prevent a regional war,” Oct. 15, 2023 https://responsiblestatecraft.org/biden-ceasefire-israel-gaza/

HuffPo: “Stunning State Department Memo Warns Diplomats: No Gaza ‘De-Escalation’ Talk,” Oct. 13, 2023 https://www.huffpost.com/entry/state-department-internal-emails-gaza-israel_n_65296395e4b0a304ff6ff95d?ykm

Axios: “Iran warns Israel through UN against ground offensive in Gaza,” Oct. 14, 2023 https://www.axios.com/2023/10/14/iran-warning-israel-hezbollah-hamas-war-gaza

Reuters: “Iran says ‘pre-emptive action’ by resistance front expected in coming hours,” Oct. 16, 2023 https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-says-preemptive-action-by-resistance-front-expected-coming-hours-2023-10-16/

Reuters: “Talks fail to let aid reach Gaza; Israel evacuates Lebanon border,” Oct. 16, 2023 https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gaza-border-crossing-set-reopen-israeli-troops-prepare-ground-assault-2023-10-15/

NYT: “Biden is expected to request $100 billion for Israel, Ukraine and other crises,” Oct. 18, 2023