Listen Live
Donate
 on air
    Schedule

    KCRW

    Read & Explore

    • News
    • Entertainment
    • Food
    • Culture
    • Events

    Listen

    • Live Radio
    • Music
    • Podcasts
    • Full Schedule

    Information

    • About
    • Careers
    • Help / FAQ
    • Newsletters
    • Contact

    Support

    • Become a Member
    • Become a VIP
    • Ways to Give
    • Shop
    • Member Perks

    Become a Member

    Donate to KCRW to support this cultural hub for music discovery, in-depth journalism, community storytelling, and free events. You'll become a KCRW Member and get a year of exclusive benefits.

    DonateGive Monthly

    Copyright 2026 KCRW. All rights reserved.

    Report a Bug|Privacy Policy|Terms of Service|
    Cookie Policy
    |FCC Public Files|

    Back to To the Point

    To the Point

    Is President Obama Too 'Passive' in Foreign Affairs?

    In Egypt, Syria and Iran, is President Obama conducting a "passive foreign policy" or being realistic about this country's influence in the Middle East?

    • rss
    Download MP3
    • Share
    By Warren Olney • Aug 19, 2013 • 51m Listen

    Egypt's ruling generals have thumbed their noses at the US; there's been almost no American help to rebels in Syria. And Iran's new President is getting the cold shoulder despite evidence that he wants to talk. Is President Obama conducting a "passive foreign policy" or being realistic about this country's influence in the Middle East? Also, tallying a weekend of violence in Egypt, and sexual harassment and politics in San Diego.

    Banner image; Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel (L) walks with Egyptian Minister of Defense Abdel Fatah Saeed Al-Sisi in Cairo, on April 24, 2013. DoD photo by Erin Kirk-Cuomo

    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Warren Olney

      former KCRW broadcaster

    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Evan George

      Director of Content, News

    • KCRW placeholder

      Christian Bordal

      Managing Producer, Greater LA

    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Gideon Brower

      Independent Producer

      NewsNationalPolitics
    Back to To the Point