Attempted Terror in Britain, Opportunity in Iran?

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Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff says he's seen no recent intelligence about a specific plot against the US.  The terror alert level has not been raised, although security has been tightened on air travel and public transit in advance of the Fourth of July.   Also, hawks and doves within the Bush Administration are at odds over the opportunities being created by civil unrest in Iran. Should the US and its allies get tough in hopes of regime change or approach Iranian moderates about helping to stabilize Iraq and Afghanistan.

Making News

More Arrests in Foiled London Terror Plot ()

British officials say the same men who attacked Glasgow Airport in a flaming Jeep Cherokee also rigged two Mercedes to explode in London the day before. Seven people have been arrested in those attacks, two of them doctors. We hear more about the investigation and what it could mean for the US.

Guests:

• Michael Evans: Defense Editor for The Times of London
• Robert Block: Homeland Security Correspondent for the Wall Street Journal
• Bob Ayres: Associate Fellow in International Security at Chatham House

Links:

• Evans' article on Scotland Yard's hunt for the terror cell
• Prime Minister Brown on the terrorist incidents
• Block's article on New York Police Department memo on failed London car bombs

Main Topic

Civil Unrest in Iran ()

For the past several weeks, the government of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has cracked down on signs of cultural openness and dissent in Iran. Because of his increased efforts to enrich nuclear materials, the US and some of its allies have been threatening international sanctions. Last month, Ahmadinejad raised gasoline prices by 25 percent and last week, without advance notice, he instituted gasoline rationing. Demonstrators set fire to at least a dozen gas stations in Tehran and chanted slogans against Ahmadinejad.  Banks, supermarkets and fire engines were attacked, and there are reports of trouble in other big cities, too. Will such civil unrest provide an opportunity for the West to get tough or to ask Iranian moderates for help in Iraq and Afghanistan?

Guests:

• Borzou Daragahi: Reporter, Los Angeles Times
• Ilan Berman: Vice President for Policy at the American Foreign Policy Council
• Selig Harrison: Director of the Asia Program at the Center for International Policy
• Laura Rozen: senior correspondent for The American Prospect

Links:

• Rozen's article on American Christian leaders' meeting with Ahmadenijad
• Tehran Rising: Iran's Challenge to the United States (Ilan Berman, editor)
• Daragahi's article on Khamenei's endorsement of Ahmadinejad policies

Host

Warren Olney

Considered the dean of Southern California broadcast journalists, Warren tackles the issues Southern Californians care about. Expanding that concept, To the Point deals with issues of national concern and is on air in most major metropolitan markets across the country. On any day, you’ll hear a fast-paced, news-based talk show featuring multiple perspectives on a single major issue, with Newsmaker and Reporters Notebook features, as well. 

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