University of Hawaii at Manoa
Adjunct professor and lecturer at the University of Hawaii at Manoa; Iranian-born member of the National Iranian American Council
PROFILE
Farideh Farhi
Guest
FROM Farideh Farhi
Which Way, L.A.?
Tensions Escalate as Iran Threatens to Close Strait of Hormuz The US has warned Iran that it will not tolerate interference with the Strait of Hormuz. Only 34 miles wide, 40 percent of the world's tanker-borne oil passes through it. Closure of the strait would wreak havoc on global oil markets. Angry over the threat of new sanctions, Iranian leaders have upped their rhetoric in recent days, claiming that closing the waterway would be as easy as drinking a glass of water. With pressure growing again on Iran over its nuclear program, amid warnings of new sanctions, what's the agenda being pursued by Iranian leaders? How is the oil market responding? Is this a serious sign of increasing tensions in the region?
To the Point
Tensions Escalate as Iran Threatens to Close Strait of Hormuz The US has warned Iran that it will not tolerate interference with the Strait of Hormuz. Only 34 miles wide, 40 percent of the world's tanker-borne oil passes through it. Closure of the strait would wreak havoc on global oil markets. Angry over the threat of new sanctions, Iranian leaders have upped their rhetoric in recent days, claiming that closing the waterway would be as easy as drinking a glass of water. With pressure growing again on Iran over its nuclear program, amid warnings of new sanctions, what's the agenda being pursued by Iranian leaders? How is the oil market responding? Is this a serious sign of increasing tensions in the region?
Which Way, L.A.?
Has the War with Iran Already Begun? Mitt Romney and other Republican candidates for president have accused President Obama of not doing enough to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. At today's news conference, the President struck back hard. Is Obama lax about Iran's possible nuclear weapon, or is he George W. "Bush on steroids?" We hear about what looks like a covert war against Iran and what the consequences might be, intended and otherwise.
To the Point
Has the War with Iran Already Begun? President Obama boasted today that he's isolated Iran more than ever before and imposed the toughest sanctions ever because of its nuclear program. But that's not all. Iran's nuclear software has been disrupted and nuclear scientists allegedly have been killed. Are these the covert precursors of open hostilities? Will such tactics make Iran take a harder line? Is that why it shot down an American unmanned drone and tried to kill a Saudi ambassador on US soil? What about tough talk from Israeli leaders? Will that make diplomacy harder still and make Iran more determined to develop a nuclear bomb?
Recommended
To the Point
Human Rights in the era of Donald Trump President Trump’s UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley, said today the US might pull out of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council. Serious violators of human rights are members of the Council itself–and a US resignation could make things worse. Later on today’s show, now that he’s into his second term, comedian turned US Senator Al Franken is telling jokes again.
To the Point
Will the Senate write a healthcare bill in secret? While Democrats and Republicans argue White House relations with Russia, another question is being decided behind closed doors: who gets help buying health insurance and who doesn't? We hear how the pros and cons are being shrouded in secrecy.
To the Point
Is the threat from Russia missing from the Russia meddling probe? There's much being made about the Trump administration's possible ties with Russia. But the bottom line is Russia's effort to influence American democracy. Do the President and his aides care enough to take action before voters go back to the polls?
To the Point
The longest US war: Will Trump send more troops to Afghanistan? The Trump White House is divided over the Pentagon's request for more troops in Afghanistan—where the US has been fighting for the past 16 years. Is there a formula -- either for "victory" or a political settlement? Is there an end in sight for America's longest war?