Why the US Wants Sanctions on Iran’s Oil

Anchor Marco Werman talks with Michael Singh, managing director at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, about proposed US sanctions on Iran’s oil exports.

Nice to Meet You! Can You Help Me Through…

Burmese cartoonist Harn Lay shows what Hillary Clinton is stepping through and around in making her historic trip to Burma.

Secretary of State Clinton Visits Myanmar

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has arrived in Burma on the first visit by such a senior American diplomat in 50 years.

Myanmar’s Opposition Calls for Measurable Reform

Aung Zaw, a veteran of the 1988 protests in Myanmar, says Hillary Clinton’s visit is welcome, but that the civilian government has to take certain concrete steps, like releasing the remaining political prisoners, before it can say it is serious about reform.

The Unintended Consequences of More Sanctions Against Iran

President Obama is calling for more sanctions on Iran to halt that country’s nuclear enrichment program. Some argue that sanctions are ineffective, and further, are having unintended consequences such as harming Iranian university students trying to study in the US.

Myanmar ‘to Grant Prisoner Amnesty’

The US said this week, if Myanmar showed concrete progress on issues like political prisoners, it would respond.

Syria’s Economy Staggering

As the protests escalate in Syria, the country’s economy is taking a hit.

Libya and US foreign policy options

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Jeb Sharp looks at how the uprisings in the Middle East are changing US foreign policy priorities. Download MP3
MENA protests: Country by country
Video: P.J. Crowley discuss the MENA uprisings

Libyan dilemma for the West

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The Libyan revolt, which broke out in mid-February to end Colonel Gaddafi’s 41-year rule, appears to have reached deadlock. Rebels continue to hold most of Eastern Libya and forces loyal to Gaddafi remain in control of the area around the capital Tripoli. The crisis poses a dilemma for the US and the international community: whether or not outside powers should intervene militarily inside the Libya. The World’s Jeb Sharp examines the options. Download MP3
Live updates from the BBC

Gaddafi: “All my people love me”

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Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has told the BBC he is loved by all his people and has denied there have been any protests in Tripoli. Gaddafi said that his people would die to protect him. The American ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice, said the interview showed Colonel Gaddafi was “delusional” and “unfit to lead”. Fighting continues in Libya and there have been renewed protests against Gaddafi’s rule in the capital. Anchor Lisa Mullins speaks with a Gaddafi critic in Tripoli. (Image: Alessio Romenzi /Corbis) Download MP3
Live updates from the BBC

EU puts pressure on Gaddafi

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The EU has decided to impose sanctions on Libya. The World’s Clark Boyd reports from Brussels.
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UN ends sanctions against Iraq

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The UN Security Council today lifted key sanctions against Iraq, 19 years after they were put imposed. One former UN diplomat says the sanctions harmed civilian population more than anyone else. Anchor Lisa Mullins has details. Download MP3

Iran to start another nuclear plant

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Iran says it will begin construction of a third nuclear enrichment plant by March 2011. The Islamic republic already has a large enrichment site at Natanz and a smaller one near Qom (pictured). The US and its allies accuse Iran of using its civilian nuclear program as a cover to make nuclear weapons. Tehran denies the charges. The World’s Katy Clark talks with intelligence expert Greg Thielmann. Download MP3

• BBC coverage
• IAEA reports on Iran
• Iran’s key nuclear sites

Iran’s nuclear defiance

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Iran’s tough stance on its nuclear program got a little tougher today. Iran’s President Ahmadinejad said today his country will not agree to talks on the issue if the UN Security Council imposes new sanctions. Stephen Kinzer is the author of “Reset: Iran, Turkey and America’s Future.” Marco Werman talks with him. Download MP3

• BBC coverage
• Stephen Kinzer on Iran, Turkey and the U.S. (Feb)
• book info

Iran signs nuclear fuel deal with Turkey

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Years of diplomatic deadlock over Iran’s nuclear program may have reached a breakthrough. Iran says it will ship low-enriched uranium to Turkey. In return, higher-enriched uranium will be sent back to Iran. The proposal is being met with applause and skepticism. The World’s Jason Margolis will have more in today’s show. Download MP3

• BBC coverage
• Ahmadinejad speaks at UN nuclear conference
• Iran and the nuclear issue