Political Unrest in Iran

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In the aftermath of September 11, Iran was sympathetic to the United States and helped install Hamid Karzai, America-s choice to lead Afghanistan. Then, evidence of Iranian arms smuggling to the Palestinians outraged President Bush. Now, as protestors in that country challenge hard-liners for sentencing a veteran of their own revolution to death for challenging their authority, there are signs that Iran is warning again and could be of vital assistance in a war on Iraq. Could an alliance of convenience with the nation once branded as part of the -axis of evil- have long-term benefits? Should the US encourage reformers within Iran? We consider the prospects for democratic reform and warmer relations with the US with political reformers and Iranian experts inside and outside of Iran. Newsmaker: Data on Cell Phones Sent Mixed Message Cell phones are responsible for about one in 20 of America-s traffic accidents, killing 2600 people each year and injuring 330,000 others. That-s according to Harvard University-s Center for Risk Analysis, which today released a study analyzing the cost and benefit of cell phone use while driving. David Ropeik, director of risk communications for the Center, reports on the group-s findings. Reporter's Notebook: Missile Attack on Jet Ignites Fears Last week, terrorists tried to hit an Israeli charter jet taking off from Mombasa, Kenya. Though the two surface-to-air missiles failed to strike their target, the attempt refocused attention on this new threat to commercial air transportation. Jim O-Halloran, editor of Jane-s Land-Based Air Defense, cautions that this latest terror in the skies will generate major changes for commercial air travel.
In the aftermath of September 11, Iran was sympathetic to the United States and helped install Hamid Karzai, America-s choice to lead Afghanistan. Then, evidence of Iranian arms smuggling to the Palestinians outraged President Bush. Now, as protestors in that country challenge hard-liners for sentencing a veteran of their own revolution to death for challenging their authority, there are signs that Iran is warning again and could be of vital assistance in a war on Iraq. Could an alliance of convenience with the nation once branded as part of the -axis of evil- have long-term benefits? Should the US encourage reformers within Iran? We consider the prospects for democratic reform and warmer relations with the US with political reformers and Iranian experts inside and outside of Iran.
  • Newsmaker: Data on Cell Phones Sent Mixed Message
    Cell phones are responsible for about one in 20 of America-s traffic accidents, killing 2600 people each year and injuring 330,000 others. That-s according to Harvard University-s Center for Risk Analysis, which today released a study analyzing the cost and benefit of cell phone use while driving. David Ropeik, director of risk communications for the Center, reports on the group-s findings.
  • Reporter's Notebook: Missile Attack on Jet Ignites Fears
    Last week, terrorists tried to hit an Israeli charter jet taking off from Mombasa, Kenya. Though the two surface-to-air missiles failed to strike their target, the attempt refocused attention on this new threat to commercial air transportation. Jim O-Halloran, editor of Jane-s Land-Based Air Defense, cautions that this latest terror in the skies will generate major changes for commercial air travel.

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Host:

Warren Olney