America Abroad: The First Freedom

By Friday, September 18 at noon

ON PUBLIC RADIO 89.5 HD1 – Freedom of religion is gospel in the US, and it's canonized in international law. There's growing evidence it is a seed that sprouts stable societies, and that religious repression in the world is a national security threat. Despite a US law that commands the government to promote international religious freedom, the secular State Department hasn't quite found its calling. We visit Vietnam where US pressure has led to moderate religious reforms, and Pakistan where promoting religious freedom takes a back pew to US strategic interests.