To the Point
Iran Elects a Moderate, but Can He Deliver Reform?
Does the election of a moderate mean Iran is ready to make the changes voters apparently wanted? What does it mean for the US, Israel and the rest of the world?
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenHassan Rouhani, Iran's newly elected President, calls himself a "moderate." Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the man he'll succeed, was anything but. Does that mean Iran is ready to make the changes voters apparently wanted? What does it mean for the US, Israel and the rest of the world? Also, US intelligence chiefs detail terror plots foiled by surveillance, and as NATO formally transfers authority to the government of Afghanistan, the US agrees to talks with the Taliban.
On Friday, June 21st at 12p, join KCRW and America Abroad for an international town hall meeting on Iran. The discussion will bring together experts, activists, Iranian diaspora communities, and social media voices inside Iran for a 90 minute-long conversation on the country, its people and their future.
Seasoned NPR Broadcaster, Madeline Brand, and BBC Persian Service anchorwoman Pooneh Ghodossi will co-host two panels – one in Los Angeles and one in London, connected via Skype. Panelists will represent diverse elements of Iranian society and culture including a Persian human rights activist and a member of one of Iran's non-Persian ethnic minority communities.
In addition to fielding questions and comments from the audiences in both cities, Pooneh will be adding a steady stream of Persian-language Tweets from inside Iran that reach us over the course of the program.
RSVP now at http://kcrw.com/iranianelection
In this episode
3 storiesIntelligence Chiefs Detail Terror Plots Foiled by Surveillance
The House Intelligence Committee heard a defense of the government's sweeping surveillance program today. General Keith Alexander, director of the National Security Agency, told the committee, "In the 12 years since the attacks on 9/11, we have lived in relative safety and security as a nation.
Read the story8 minChange in Iran: Is it Real or Wishful Thinking?
Hassan Rouhani will succeed Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as President of Iran -- an election outcome considered a slap in the face of the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who handpicked several candidates for the race to succeed the abrasive Ahmadinejad.
Read the story35 minUS Turns over Security to Afghan Forces, Plans Talks with Taliban
The NATO coalition formally turned over authority to the Afghan government today, as the US and the Taliban announced that direct talks will begin next week. Today's transfer of authority has been long anticipated. Talks with the Taliban are a surprise.
Read the story8 min
