Iran at the Crossroads

What does Iran's new leadership mean for the future of the country, its nuclear weapons program and relationship with the West, and for Iranians around the world? 

America Abroad recently partnered with a leading public radio station in Los Angeles, KCRW, to host an international radio town hall - Iran at the Crossroads - on the country's latest presidential election. The discussion brought together a panel of experts and Iranian diaspora communities in Los Angeles and London, as well as people inside Iran via Skype and social media. The conversation explored what Iran's new leadership means for the future of the country, its nuclear weapons program and relationship with the West, and for Iranians around the world.

The town hall was co-hosted by America Abroad's Madeleine Brand and BBC Persian Service anchorwoman Pooneh Ghodoosi.

Los Angeles panelists:

  • Jimmy Delshad, former Mayor of Beverly Hills and first Iranian-American to hold this position

  • Golnaz Esfandiari, Senior Correspondent in Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Central Newsroom and editor of the award-winning Persian Letters blog

London panelists:

  • Sharan Tabari, Iranian-British journalist and politician who served for two terms as a Labour party councilor for the City of Westminster

  • Rahim Bandoui, a leader and spokesman for the Congress of Nationalities for a Federal Iran, which advocates for the rights of non-Persian minorities, including Azeris, Kurds, Arabs, Turkmen, and Balochs

The town hall aired as the July, 2013 episode of America Abroad.

Produced by Joseph Braude, Samantha Fields, Andrea Brody, Taryn Olsen, Leo Kay and Gary Scott / Edited by Martha Little / Additional production help was provided by Flawn Williams / Web Producer: Philippa Levenberg / Photography by Micah Cordy in Los Angeles, Leo Kay in London, and Mohsen Shandiz/Corbis via AP / Special thanks to KCRW, the Frontline Club in London, the technical staff at NPR West: Norb Gallery, Shawn Corey Campbell, Patrick Murray, Luke Hupaya and Quinn O'Toole at NPR. Hosts: Madeleine Brand and Pooneh Ghoddoosi / Length: 51 minutes 

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Iran at the Crossroads

Supported By:

Henry Luce Foundation

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