Why do wars rarely have a single clear cause? When nations go to conflict, how much of the story we hear is strategy, how much is history, and how much is narrative? In this guided discussion, we’ll take a careful look at the current tensions and conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Rather than reducing the situation to simple good-versus-bad explanations, we’ll explore the motivations, fears, and strategic goals on all sides. What does each country say publicly about why it is involved? What might they not say? Why has the partnership between the United States and Israel been so strong for so long, and how does Iran view its own role in the region?

Hosted by BO, a sought-after lecturer on American history and global affairs who regularly speaks at consulates and universities across the US and Asia, this conversation will step back from headlines and examine the deeper context behind the conflict. Together we’ll look at the historical relationship between the three countries, the political leadership shaping decisions today, and the competing narratives that influence how the war is understood around the world. The goal is not to take sides, but to build a clearer, more nuanced picture of a situation that is far more complex than it first appears. Expect a thoughtful, balanced discussion that aims to illuminate rather than simplify one of the most challenging geopolitical issues of our time.

为什么战争很少只有一个清晰的原因？当国家之间发生冲突时，我们听到的叙事里，有多少是真正的战略，有多少来自历史背景，又有多少其实只是某种故事版本？在这场引导式讨论中，我们会一起更仔细地看看围绕伊朗、以色列和美国之间的紧张局势与冲突。我们不会把问题简单地归结为谁对谁错，而是试着理解各方背后的动机、担忧以及战略目标。每个国家在公开场合是怎么解释自己为什么参与其中的？又有哪些东西是他们没有直接说出来的？为什么美国和以色列之间的合作关系长期以来一直很紧密？而伊朗又是如何看待自己在这个地区中的角色？

活动由 BO 主持，他长期研究美国历史和全球事务，经常受邀在美国和亚洲的领事馆以及大学进行讲座。这场讨论会稍微离开新闻标题本身，从更大的背景来看这场冲突。大家会一起看看这三个国家之间的历史关系、当下影响决策的政治领导层，以及不同叙事如何影响世界各地的人们理解这场战争。讨论的目的不是站队，而是尽量拼出一个更清晰、更有层次的图景，因为这个局势远比表面看起来复杂。整体会是一场比较理性、平衡的交流，希望能帮助大家更好地理解当下这个比较棘手的地缘政治问题。