Terry Gross

Mehdi is the Secretary General of the National Council on Islamic Affairs and President of the American-Arab relations committee. Born in Bagdad, he moved to the U.S. in the late 1940s. He talks with Terry about his frustration with the U.S.'s destructive actions in his home country, and about the strong link between the Islamic faith and the law.

Sheen, born Ramon Estevez, directed the new movie, "Cadence." He also acts in it with two of his sons, Charlie Sheen and Emilio Estevez. He talks with Terry about his life, family, and what it was like work on "Apocalypse Now."

Two interviews in this segment: First, Terry talks with Roger Fisher, the head of the Harvard Negotiation Project. He explains why it's still not too late to negotiate with Saddam Hussain. Then Terry speaks with journalist and long-time China watcher, Orville Schell; they'll discuss the current trials of some of the leaders of the student-led, pro-democracy movement.

The journalist's new book, "The Power and the Glitter," looks at alliances between politicians across the ideological spectrum with movie stars and other celebrities. Brownstein is the national political correspondent for the Los Angeles Times.

Native Kuwaities of Palestinian heritage Shafeeq Ghabra and Taghreed Alqudsi-Ghabra are both former professors at the University of Kuwait and activists against the Iraqi occupation. Now in exile the United States, the married couple joins Fresh Air to give a first-hand account of the beginning of the crisis in the region.

The New York Times reporter has spent the last decade covering the Middle East. In light of the start of the Gulf War, he has two questions -- How will we know when we win? And how will the war affect the peace process between Israel and Palestine? Friedman is the author of the bestselling book From Beirut to Jerusalem.

Fresh Air producer Amy Salit talks with Patrick Seale, author of "Asad: The Struggle for The Middle East." They'll discuss Syria's role in the current war, and the country's recent political history.

Terry Gross talks with the military historian about the conflict in the Middle East. They discuss when war is warranted, and acknowledge the suspicions many citizens may have about those motives. Howard teaches at Yale University.

Terry talks with Dr. Saeb Erakat, a university professor, about life in the occupied territories during the Gulf War. Moshe Fogel from the Israeli Defense Department responds to his concerns.

Cellist Yo-Yo Ma talks about how the Gulf War has affected him as an individual and as a musician.