ABQ Fall Lecture Series: Political Islam & It’s Future In The Wake Of The Arab Spring; APD & Controversy
This week on NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS, as turmoil continues in Egypt, a fall lecture series is starting in Albuquerque that will focus on political Islam and its future in the wake of the Arab Spring and other events. Emile Nakhleh, a renowned expert on Middle Eastern society and politics and a former senior officer with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), speaks about the crisis in Egypt and the changing nature of terrorism, and Marina Obortova, president of the Albuquerque International Association, outlines how her organization chooses the themes for its annual lecture series.
The Line opinion panel discusses the Albuquerque Police Department, which is once again the subject of controversy. The attorney general weighs in on the investigation into the death of a prominent attorney. An embarrassing video of the city’s Criminal Nuisance Abatement Unit shows APD officers in an unfavorable light. These issues could have political implications as well for the upcoming mayoral race, and for plans to boost the number of APD officers.
The Line discusses the controversial tactics of abortion protesters in Albuquerque and the response by some elected officials.
The group also looks at issues of transparency and state government, in light of the ongoing brouhaha over audits of behavioral health providers and calls from journalists for more openness.
GUESTS:
Dr. Emile Nakhleh, consultant and former CIA officer
Dr. Marina Oborotova, president, Albuquerque International Association
LINE SPECIAL GUESTS:
Russell Contreras, Associated Press
Tracy Dingman, board member, New Mexico in Depth
Alexa Schirtzinger, Santa Fe Reporter
LINE PANELIST:
Rob Nikolewski, Editor, New Mexico Watchdog
CORRESPONDENT: Gwyneth Doland
HOST/COMMENTATOR:
Gene Grant
The Producer of NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS is Megan Kamerick. Associate Producer is Kathy Wimmer. Funding for this program was provided in part by the McCune Foundation.
Episode 708 for air August 23, 2013