Wilson Center
Senior scholar at the Wilson Center; former senior associate in the Middle East program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
PROFILE
Marina Ottaway
Guest
FROM Marina Ottaway
Which Way, L.A.?
Democracy, Islam and Egypt's Economy The Muslim Brotherhood and ultra-conservative Salafists won 60 percent of the vote in Egypt's recent elections. What will that mean for the ruling military, relations with the US and for democracy? Are those issues distractions from the economic concerns of the mass of Egyptians?
To the Point
Democracy, Islam and Egypt's Economy In Egypt's recent elections, the Muslim Brotherhood won 37 percent of the vote and the ultra-conservative Salafists got 24 percent. More secular parties got just 13 percent. It may take as much as a year to determine how strong a parliament will be formed. Should Israel and Western countries be concerned? Will the religious factions unite and stand up to the current military rulers when 90 percent of Egyptians support the Army now that Mubarak is gone? With almost half the country living on $2 a day, the main concern of most people is economics, with politics low on the list. We look at the many options available to the most important country so far to have experienced the "Arab Spring."
Which Way, L.A.?
Iran and the U.S.; Nuclear Enrichment and Government Crackdown For the first time in twenty eight years, the United States sat down to official talks with Iran. The subject was the war in Iraq. Both countries agreed they shared a common goal of a stable Iraq, but there were many issues that weren’t on the table at the meeting including Iran’s continued defiance of the international community with its nuclear program. There is also the question of U.S.-Iranian citizens who have been detained during visits to their home country and were charged with espionage today. What is Iran’s agenda in the region, and how should the U.S. respond?
To the Point
The US and Iran Finally Talk about Iraq After nearly three decades of formal silence, representatives from the US and Iran met in Baghdad yesterday and agreed on the need for a stable Iraq. There were many issues that were not on the table, including Iran's continued defiance of the international community with its nuclear program. There is also the question of US-Iranian citizens who have been detained during visits to their home country and were today charged with espionage . Guest host Sara Terry explores Iran's agenda in the Middle East and US response to it.
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To the Point
Terrorism and tweets, hate speech and murder Just days before an election, Britain is coping with a rash of deadly terrorism, and Prime Minister Theresa May is on the defensive. And again today, President Trump has tweeted criticism of the Mayor of London. Later, a double murder in Portland, Oregon has revealed the ugly past of a supposedly “progressive” city. One immediate question: is “hate speech” protected by the First Amendment?
To the Point
Trump plays scolder-in-chief with NATO allies At the opening of NATO’s dramatic new headquarters in Brussels today, President Trump acknowledged that Article 5 — promising that “an attack on one nation is an attack on all” -- has only been invoked one time: in the aftermath of September 11. But the President failed to provide what 27 other Alliance members have been waiting for: a re-commitment by America’s new leader to Article 5. Instead, they got a scolding.
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.