What the Freedom of U.S. Citizen Amir Hekmati From Iran Says About Diplomatic Relations

Three U.S. citizens who were prisoners in Iran were freed over the weekend. One of them was from Flint.

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Kildee [left], Hekmati [right]

Over the weekend, Michigander Amir Hekmati was one of three prisoners freed in a prisoner trade with Iran. Hekmati, a former U.S. Marine, had been in captivity for several years after the Iranian government accused him of being a spy. Congressman Dan Kildee worked consistently to have the Flint resident brought home and to ensure Hekmati’s story was not lost to time. Kildee and the Hekmati family reunited with Amir over the weekend in Germany.

Detroit Today host Stephen Henderson is joined by Wayne State University lecturer Saeed Khan to discuss what it took to achieve the prisoner trade, and what it says about the political relationship between the U.S. and Iran. Also discussed:

  • Attacks in: Jakarta, Indonesia; Burkina Faso; Pashawar, Pakistan; Istanbul, Turkey
  • The political complexity of Saudi Arabia, and American allies
  • What Iran aspires for in the global community

 

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