To the Point
The Sectarian Battle for Middle East Influence
Iran and Saudi Arabia are using religious differences to inflame their deep-seated rivalry for power and influence — creating new instability in the Middle East. We hear what's at stake for the Iran nuclear deal, Syria's civil war, the fight against ISIS — and America's interests.
By Warren Olney • • 52m ListenIran and Saudi Arabia are using religious differences to inflame their deep-seated rivalry for power and influence — creating new instability in the Middle East. We hear what's at stake for the Iran nuclear deal, Syria's civil war, the fight against ISIS — and America's interests.
Later on the program, advice to families being rounded up for deportation: "don't open the door."
Photo: Flames rise from Saudi Arabia's embassy during a demonstration in Tehran January 2, 2016.(Mehdi Ghasemi/REUTERS/TIMA/ISNA)
In this episode
3 storiesObama Announces Plan to Limit Gun Violence
President Obama was visibly emotional today as he announced executive action to tighten the rules for buying guns — in the absence of legislation by Congress. In contrast to Second Amendment rights, he listed the right to peaceful assembly and quoted from the Declaration of Independence.
Read the story6 minSectarianism Renews Divisions in the Middle East
By executing a Shiite cleric last weekend, the Sunni nation of Saudi Arabia created a martyr. It also inflamed its dangerous rivalry with Shiite Iran. Hardliners in both countries are now using sectarian differences to pursue political goals.
Read the story34 minImmigrants Are Told "Don't Open the Door" to ICE during Raids
On the Mexican border, the US is seeing another surge of immigrants from Central American — including unaccompanied children. Immigration officials are trying to send the message that they should stay home. In the past, immigration officials have raided workplaces to find immigrants who've been ordered to leave the country.
Read the story9 min
