Poppies to Pills
Aired May 16, 2007 on Marketplace Commentary
We're losing the war against Afghanistan's illicit opium trade, and losing big. It's time to allow poppy cultivation there for the legal pharmaceutical market, says commentator Reza Aslan, for the sake of their security and ours.
Iran Nuclear Problem May Solve Itself
Aired February 20, 2007 on Marketplace Commentary
While the international community frets over Iran's nuclear program, says commentator Reza Aslan, Iran's citizens are so outraged over their President's domestic policies that they may be the ones to force a regime change.
Don't Shut Turkey Out
Aired November 30, 2006 on Marketplace Commentary
Talks to consider Turkey's admission to the EU have stalled. Commentator Reza Aslan says an alliance with the moderate Muslim country can only help ease tensions of the Islamophobia sweeping across Europe.
Partitioning Iraq Won't Work
Aired November 14, 2006 on Marketplace Commentary
Commentator Reza Aslan says proposals to partition Iraq into three distinct states are a recipe for more turmoil.
Syria is Key to Peace
Aired July 26, 2006 on Marketplace Commentary
Commentator Reza Aslan argues that lifting economic sanctions against Syria could help end the bloodshed in Lebanon.
Iran and the Palestinian Authority
Aired April 07, 2006 on Marketplace Commentary
Europe and the US are holding the Hamas-dominated Palestinian Authority's feet to the fire. They want the Palestinian Authority to renounce terrorism and recognize Israel, and they're threatening to cut off foreign aid. If that happens, commentator Reza Aslan says, Iran may jump into the void.
Iran's Uranium Enrichment
Aired February 27, 2006 on Marketplace Commentary
Iran appears determined to expand its uranium enrichment program, according to the UN's atomic watchdog agency. Writer and Commentator Reza Aslan argues that the key to defusing the situation is the opposite of Iran's continued isolation and sanctions.
The Hamas Gamble
Aired January 24, 2006 on Marketplace Commentary
It's only natural that many participants in the Middle East conflict have reservations about Hamas' political gains. But giving Palestinians a chance to vote for Hamas candidates is worth the gamble, says writer and commentator Reza Aslan.
Islamic Economies
Aired December 13, 2005 on Marketplace Commentary
Today's the last official day of campaigning in Iraq. Parliamentary elections will be held there on Thursday. Iraqis living in this country have been casting their absentee ballots today. The 275 new lawmakers will have four year terms. They'll have to create new democratic institutions. And...says writer and commentator Reza Aslan...new economic ones, too.