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?
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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?
To the Point
Ex-FBI Director Comey tells his side of the story Today, former FBI Director James Comey came close to calling the President who fired him a liar. The White House denied the claim and called it insulting, but Republican Senators did not challenge Comey’s truthfulness. Many questions remain: did the President try to obstruct a federal investigation? Later, we’ll go behind the “velvet rope” for a look at 5-Star health care for the richest Americans.
To the Point
Venezuela spirals into economic and political chaos Venezuela, a country whose potential for prosperity is unmatched, finds itself on the verge of civil war. What sustains the repressive government? With time running out, guest host León Krauze looks at what the international community can do to pull the country from the edge of collapse.
To the Point
Trump's new look at civil rights and global warming President Trump is reportedly ready to pull the US out of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. We look at the possible consequences. On the second half of the program, we hear about cuts in Obama-Era civil rights programs called for by the Trump Administration's first budget plan.