Arab World
Dr. Robert Kagan, (The World America Made)
This week Dennis Wholey speaks to Dr. Robert Kagan of the Brookings Institution about his new book, The World America Made, which examines the modern world and the formative role America has had in its construction.
Amb. Akbar Ahmed, (The Thistle and the Drone)
This week Dennis Wholey speaks with Amb. Akbar Ahmed about his new book, The Thistle and the Drone: How America’s War on Terror became a Global War on Tribal Islam. Their conversation focuses on how the United States needs to understand the tribal system within the Middle East, South Asia, and elsewhere before it can be effective in these regions.
In The Sultanate Of Oman, Part III – Culture In Oman
At the annual Culture Festival in Muscat, host Dennis Wholey explores the traditions, heritage, music, art, culture and history of Oman. Dennis talks with the Chairman of Muscat Municipality, His Excellency Sultan bin Hamdoon Al Harthy and the Adviser to His Majesty the Sultan for Cultural Affairs, His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Al Rowas.
In The Sultanate Of Oman, Part II – Royal Opera House Muscat
In The Sultanate Of Oman, Part II – Royal Opera House Muscat
Host Dennis Wholey visits what is called the Royal Opera House Muscat, which combines traditional design reflecting the region’s history and culture and today’s state of the art technology. Dennis talks with Project Director Hamid Ghazali, members of the Board of Directors including His Highness Sayyid Kamil bin Fahad al Said and Her Excellency Dr. Rawya Al Busaidi, and Director of Education and Outreach, Dr. Nasser Al Taee.
In The Sultanate Of Oman, Part I (Oman’s Foreign Policy)
In Muscat, Oman, host Dennis Wholey learns about the pillars of Oman’s Foreign Policy and the country’s historic relationship with the United States. Dennis speaks with His Excellency Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs and Her Excellency Hunaina Al Mughairy, Ambassador of Oman to the United States.
David Sanger (The New York Times)
U.S. Ambassador Thomas Pickering
This week Dennis Wholey speaks with U.S. Ambassador Thomas Pickering. Ambassador Pickering holds the title of Career Ambassador, which is the highest rank in the Foreign Service and is nominated by the President. Ambassador Pickering has served as U.S. Ambassador to Russia, India, Israel, Jordan, El Salvador, Nigeria and the United Nations. Dennis and the Ambassador discuss how the United States fits within the world and the ways in which the country can improve its standing diplomatically in a variety of ways.
Amb. Dino Patti Djalal (Republic of Indonesia)
This week Dennis Wholey speaks with Dr. Dino Patti Djalal, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia. Ambassador Djalal explains many aspects of his country, including the fact that Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world, the biggest economy in Southeast Asia and a tremendously diverse and complex population.
Lessons From The World
This week’s program explores the important lessons that we learned throughout 2012 by visiting a variety of interviews from the past year. Past guests from Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, Europe and the United States all explain interesting aspects of their respective cultures and weigh in on the most crucial concerns of the day. Guests include Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan; Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong; Former Ambassador to the United States from Kazakhstan and current Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, Erlan Idrissov; Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski and many more.
Dr. Seyyed Hossein Nasr
This week Dennis Wholey speaks with the world renowned Professor of Islamic Studies at George Washington University, Dr. Seyyed Hossein Nasr. Dr. Nasr explains the fundamental aspects of Islam, the ways in which is it misunderstood and his convictions regarding the role of Islam in the world today.
Amb. Mohammed Al Hussaini Al Sharif: PART II
Amb. Mohammed Al Hussaini Al Sharif: PART I
In part one of this two part interview, Dennis Wholey speaks with the Ambassador of the League of Arab States, Mohammed Al Hussaini Al Sharif. Dennis and the Ambassador discuss the history and importance of the Arab League and explore how it orients towards a variety of issues in the Arab World today.
Women of the Arab Spring (Vital Voices): Pt II
This week, in alliance with the international women’s organization Vital Voices, Dennis Wholey speaks with women activists that have played important roles in the Arab Spring. This two part program will include the incredible stories of courage from four different women from Tunisia, Libya, Egypt and Yemen.
Women of the Arab Spring (Vital Voices): Pt. I
Alyse Nelson (Vital Voices)
This week Dennis Wholey speaks with Alyse Nelson, President and CEO of Vital Voices Global Partnership, and author of the new book, Vital Voices: The Power of Women Leading Change around the World. Ms. Nelson discusses the importance of Vital Voices’ work and shares stories of the many unique women involved throughout the world.
Dr. Rosa Rai Djalal: Muslim Women’s Assocation
This week Dennis Wholey speaks with Dr. Rosa Rai Djalal, President of the Muslim Women’s Association. On behalf of her Association, Dr. Djalal explains the difference between religion and culture and that the two are not the same.
2012 Nuclear Security Summit
This week Dennis Wholey discusses the importance of the recent 2012 Nuclear Security Summit which took place in Seoul, South Korea. Guests include Laura Holgate, Senior Director of WMD Terrorism & Threat Reduction from the National Security Council as well as Anne Harrington, Deputy Administrator of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, at the National Nuclear Security Administration.
Petra, Jordan
This week on THIS IS AMERICA visits the Arab World we visit Petra, in southern Jordan. Dr. Chris Tuttle of the American Center of Oriental Research explains the history and importance of this breathtaking site. Petra is truly a unique visual experience as the ruins of buildings seem to blend together with the mountains.
1 Minute Worldview – United Arab Emirates
THIS IS AMERICA & THE WORLD
ONE MINUTE WORLDVIEW: UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski
This week Dennis Wholey speaks with Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski about his new and best selling book, Strategic Vision: America and the Crisis of Global Power. Dr. Brzezinski explains his perspective on the the shift of global power from the West to the East.
Daniel R. Green
Dennis Wholey speaks with Daniel R. Green about his new book, The Valley’s Edge: A Year with the Pashtuns in the Heartland of the Taliban and about his unique perspective having served in the country for years. Mr. Green explains the history and mentality of the Taliban and the ways in which the United States could engage the Taliban and the region in a more dynamic and effective way. (Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the U.S. Navy Reserves.)
Amb. Hussein Hassouna, Ph.D.
In a timely interview Dennis Wholey speaks with Hussein Hassouna, Ph.D, Ambassador of the League of Arab States to the United States. Ambassador Hassouna explains the mission of the Arab League and discusses the League’s involvement in Syria, Egypt, Israel/Palestine, the surrounding region and the League’s role in the United States.
Dr. Trita Parsi
This week Dennis Wholey speaks with Dr. Trita Parsi who is President of the National Iranian American Council and author of the upcoming book, A Single Roll of the Dice – Obama’s Diplomacy with Iran. Together they discuss the complex relationship between the United States and Iran as well as its role in the world.
Dr. Marina Ottaway
This week Dennis Wholey discusses the tremendous shifts that have taken place throughout the Middle East as a result of the Arab Spring, with Dr. Marina Ottaway, Former Director and Senior Associate at the Middle East Program at the Carnegie Endowment For International Peace.
United Nations Roundtable Part I
Join host Dennis Wholey as he speaks with six high profile international guests to discuss the United Nation’s goals of eradicating poverty, improving maternal and child health, gender equality, and climate change. Guests include the UN Foundation’s Reid Detchon, Vice President for Energy and Climate, the World Health Organization’s Flavia Bustreo M.D., Director of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health, Gitahi Kiama Ph.D, of the Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies at the University of Nairobi, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Inter-Agency Affairs, Thomas Stelzer, Johnson & Johnson’s Vice President of Corporate Contributions, Sharon D’Agostino, and the United Nations Development Program’s Director of Poverty Reduction Group, Selim Jahan.
This Is America Visits Oman
This week’s program focuses on the Sultanate of Oman. The country is celebrating its 40th anniversary under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said who has guided Oman into its current renaissance. In addition to visiting modern and historic sites, Dennis Wholey learns about the country by talking with a variety of guests including The Minister of Information, H.E. Hamed bin Mohammed Al Rashdi and State Council member, Rahila Al Riyamiya.
Foreign Journalist Roundtable Part I
This week Dennis Wholey speaks with journalists representing 6 countries from around the globe in New York City. Together they discuss the current state of journalism in the United States and its varied roles abroad. Guests include Paola Messana, New York Bureau Chief of the Agence France Presse, Mujeeb Lodhi, Publisher and Chief Editor of Pakistan News, Lotus Chau, Chief Reporter at Sing Tao Newspapers New York, Dr. Chika Onyeani, Editor and Chief of the African Sun Times, Teresa Cabrera, Managing Director of Diario De Mexico USA, and Garry Pierre-Pierre, Publisher of the Haitian Times.
Foreign Journalist Roundtable Part II
This week Dennis Wholey speaks with journalists representing 6 countries from around the globe in New York City. Together they discuss the current state of journalism in the United States and its varied roles abroad. Guests include Paola Messana, New York Bureau Chief of the Agence France Presse, Mujeeb Lodhi, Publisher and Chief Editor of Pakistan News, Lotus Chau, Chief Reporter at Sing Tao Newspapers New York, Dr. Chika Onyeani, Editor and Chief of the African Sun Times, Teresa Cabrera, Managing Director of Diario De Mexico USA, and Garry Pierre-Pierre, Publisher of the Haitian Times.
Ambassador Walter Cutler
This week Dennis Wholey speaks with Ambassador Walter Cutler who served twice as Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, in addition to having served in Tunisia, Zaire (Congo), and as Ambassador-Designate to the Islamic Republic of Iran before diplomatic relations were broken in 1980. Together both men discuss U.S. Saudi relations, Wikileaks, terrorism and other crucial international issues.
Qubad Talabani
Dennis Wholey speaks with Qubad Talabani, who serves as the Representative of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq to the United States. Together Dennis and Mr. Talabani discuss the unique character of the Kurdish people, the region, as well as the importance of Mr. Talabani’s role in the United States.
Dr. James Zogby, “Arab Voices”
Dennis Wholey speaks with Dr. James Zogby about his new book “Arab Voices”. Dr. Zogby, who is also President of the Arab American Institute, discusses the need for the west to listen to what the Arab World has to say, and to understand that the lives of people around the world are not as different as many in the west believe.
Voices From The United Arab Emirates
This week THIS IS AMERICA visits the United Arab Emirates to explore the many facets of progress, culture and politics within the Emirates. The program includes interviews with Ibrahim Al Abed, Director General of the National Media Council, H.E. Mariam Al Roumi, Minister of Social Affairs, and H.E. Hanif Hassan Al Qassimi, Minister of Health.
David Ignatius
This week Dennis Wholey speaks with renowned Washington Post columnist, David Ignatius about the recent events in Egypt, Tunisia and the current political climate of the Middle East.
Dr. Marina Ottaway: Middle East Expert
Join host Dennis Wholey as he discusses the recent uprisings in the Middle East with Dr. Marina Ottaway, Director of the Middle East Program at the Carnegie Endowment For International Peace.
This Is America Visits Kazakhstan, Pt. III
While on location in the Republic of Kazakhstan, Dennis Wholey discusses the past, present and future of Kazakhstan. From oil to the growing film industry Dennis learns about the many different ways Kazakhstan is developing. Interviews include Minister of Oil & Gas, Sauat Mynbayev; Minister of Agriculture, Assylzhan Mamytbekov; Vice Minister of Tourism & Sports, Murat Omarov.
This Is America Visits Kazakhstan, Pt. II
While on location in the Republic of Kazakhstan, Dennis Wholey looks into different aspects of life in Kazakhstan and explores the dynamic culture of the country. To learn more, Dennis speaks with the Vice-Minister of Culture, Gaziz Telebayev and visits different museums and important Kazakh sites.
Richard H. Solomon
This week on THIS IS AMERICA Dennis Wholey speaks with Richard H. Solomon, Ph.D., President of the United States Institute of Peace. Together they discuss the unique work of the United States Institute of Peace and its important efforts across the globe.
Peter Bergen Part I
This week on THIS IS AMERICA, Dennis Wholey speaks with Peter Bergen, CNN’s National Security Analyst and author of The Longest War; The Enduring Conflict between America and Al-Qaeda. Together they discuss Peter Bergen’s new book, the United State’s efforts to fight terrorism, and Bergen’s face to face encounter with Osama Bin Laden.
Peter Bergen Part II
This week on THIS IS AMERICA, Dennis Wholey concludes his discussion with Peter Bergen, CNN’s National Security Analyst and author of The Longest War; The Enduring Conflict between America and Al-Qaeda. Together they look into Peter Bergen’s new book, the United State’s efforts to fight terrorism, and Bergen’s face to face encounter with Osama Bin Laden.
David E. Sanger
This week on THIS IS AMERICA Dennis Wholey speaks with David E. Sanger, Chief Washington Correspondent at The New York Times. Mr. Sanger explains his unique perspective on the recent disasters in Japan, and the future of the Middle East as it pertains to Iran.
Mitchell B. Reiss
This week on THIS IS AMERICA Dennis Wholey speaks with Mitchell B. Reiss, author of Negotiating With Evil; When to Talk to Terrorists and President of Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland. Their conversation explores the complex task of knowing when and how to talk to terrorist groups.
This Is America Visits The Ancient World
This week Dennis Wholey visits three historical locations in Southern Europe and the Middle East. The program explores the biblical location of the Pillar of St. Paul in Cyprus, the desert city of Petra in Jordan and the Pyramids of ancient Egypt
THIS IS AMERICA Visits Kazakhstan Pt. I
While on location in the Republic of Kazakhstan, Dennis Wholey speaks with U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Kenneth J. Fairfax and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yerzhan Kazykhanov to learn about the unique past and bright future of the young country in Central Asia