To the Point

The US launched a major new offensive in Afghanistan this weekend.  But just four days in, questions are already cropping up about the challenges troops face and their odds of long-term success. The mission depends heavily on cooperation from both Afghan forces and the Afghan government. Guest host Chery Glaser learns whether they're up to the job. Also, revving up the debate over nuclear energy, and a bombshell in the world of figure skating.

One of the most popular sports in Washington these days appears to be the blame game. With the loss of the Democrats' filibuster-proof majority in the Senate and healthcare reform struggling in the final lap, questions are cropping up about who's to blame. Guest host Chery Glaser speaks with some critics of Barack Obama's inner circle who say that  the Obama White House is more focused on campaigning than governing.  Also, NATO and Afghan forces go on the offensive in Helmand Province, and struggling to fill the jury pool.

Tonight is the opening ceremony for the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Despite the rain, the games will go on. Who's set to bring home the gold? What's up with super-skier Lindsay Vonn, who suffered a recent injury, and what about snowboarder Shaun White? Which athletes have the opportunity to redeem themselves after poor showings in the last games? Guest host Sara Terry ponders whether in Women's Luge, it could be the year for an American. Also, China protests the Dalai Lama's White House visit, and the history of the free world, according to Texas.

On the thirty-first anniversary of the Islamic revolution, Iran is marked by ongoing turmoil. There's pressure within from a protest movement that wants regime change, and pressure without from an international community that wants to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions. Guest host Sara Terry explores how the revolution has changed Iran and Iranians. What role do the clerics who led the revolution play in the country today? Also, an "angry" dissatisfaction with Washington, and an anniversary of a different kind. Twenty years ago today Nelson Mandela became a free man.

It's been almost a month since a 7.0 earthquake hit Haiti. Aid workers are still struggling to cope with a situation that some have described as worse than the 2004 tsunami. Guest host Sara Terry explores humanitarian efforts. What aid is reaching people? Who still needs help? What are the biggest challenges? Also, Greeks strike over austerity measures, and revising the psychiatrists' “bible” and what that means for diagnosing disorders.

With its Prius recall and problems with a sticking accelerator pedal, Toyota is front and center in the news. But regulations run far and wide in the life of the American consumer. There are hundreds of state and federal agencies that are supposed to make our lives safer. Guest host Sara Terry asks whether they really do the job. Also, of tea and Sarah Palin. Checking in with the grassroots right.

In a mid-term election year, is political rhetoric obscuring the real issues in the debate of trying the alleged Christmas Day bomber? Republicans have attacked the Obama Administration's decision to prosecute Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab in civilian court, and administration officials are fighting back. Sara Terry guest hosts. Also, Iran raises international alarm with its uranium enrichment plans, and thanks to the Saints, New Orleans will "let the good times roll."

Britain’s Prime Minister must take public questions from opponents in Parliament once a week. After President Obama wowed Washington with his Q&A with Republicans, a bipartisan group asked him to do the same thing here, but the White House said no. Can Congress demand a “President’s Questions?”  Guest host Matt Miller asks whether direct dialogue would reduce the political polarization in the US. Is there an audience for nuance? Also, a slow recovery despite decreasing unemployment, and it's not just ads for products at this year's Super Bowl.  

Tea partiers are opposed to federal spending, healthcare reform, Wall Street banks and dinners featuring steak and lobster. They don't like Democrats or even Republicans. What are they for? Can they organize to make a political difference in this election year? We look for some answers as the Tea Party convention opens in Nashville. Also, now it's the Prius' brakes, and despite the recession, healthcare spending is jumping up faster than ever — approaching 20% of the entire economy.

With sales of Toyota vehicles already on the decline, new safety questions are being raised today. We look at the latest claims, how Toyota has responded over the years and what it will take to restore a tarnished corporate image. Also, Senate Democrats and Obama do a Q&A, and in Iran, an anniversary, a space program and the prospect of international sanctions.