To the Point

With the Christmas Day bombing attempt now tied to Yemen, Yemeni prisoners could delay the closing of Guantánamo Bay. Should they be returned to their home country? Sent to northern Illinois? What about "re-education" programs like those in Saudi Arabia? Also, Democrats prepare to merge health bills behind closed doors, and airport security and body scanners.

Yemen is now being described as a hotbed of terrorists, as debate continues over the near-bombing of a US airliner on Christmas Day. We update the latest security measures and the political infighting. Also embassy doors shut in Yemen, in response to terror threats, and professional basketball and guns.

The key to achieving the American dream is often said to be positive thinking, but Barbara Ehrenreich's new book argues that “Positive Thinking has Undermined America.”  For example, was the current  financial collapse the result of self-delusion from the top to the bottom? Also, the 2010 census, and the high cost of visiting penguins in Antarctica.    

If the 1900's were "America's Century," the first ten years of the 21st Century may belong to somebody else. Or will a decade of disasters pave the way to recovery in economics, politics, foreign affairs, and national security? We sample some authoritative opinions. Also, Yemen-al Qaeda ties complicate plans for Guantánamo.

The government of Iran today blamed the US and Europe for growing unrest and staged counter-demonstrations to reassert its authority. What changes might be in store? Does the US have a role? What about the nuclear buildup?  Also, the President acknowledges intelligence warnings about Umar Abdulmutallab, and the President has ordered years of secrets to be revealed. How committed is he to "open government?"

New airline security measures are in effect and old ones are being re-examined in response to the Christmas Day bombing attempt. We hear about new rules, body scanners, behavioral profiling and a new source of potential terrorist bombers, Yemen.  Also, Russian Prime Minister Putin issues a warning on arms talks, and Republicans seize the security issue in an election year.  

Yesterday, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano was quoted as saying the air-travel security system "worked" to prevent a tragedy on Christmas Day. Today, she said her comment was taken "out of context," and that a lot went wrong. We begin with a discussion on airline security.  Later, the biggest problem for most Americans is still the economy. We hear about the growing numbers, including children, who can't get enough to eat.

Secularism is a defining characteristic of the "Modern: world. So why is there such an increase in religious belief? In this archived segment of To the Point and with two major religions celebrating holidays, we look at faith in America and other parts of the world. Also, a former Marine recalls Christmas in Afghanistan. On Reporter's Notebook, is there a gene for religion?

This archived edition of To the Point was pre-empted by special holiday programming.

Congress is one step closer to the biggest expansion of healthcare coverage since Medicare was enacted four decades ago. Can the bill passed by the Senate this morning be merged with the House version? We hear about politics and those devilish details. Also, the real cost of cheap clothes made in Cambodia.  

Israel may be on the verge of swapping a thousand Palestinian prisoners for one kidnapped soldier who's become a cause célèbre.  We look at the dilemma faced by right-wing Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and the possible consequences, both good and bad. Also, a new delay in President Obama's plan to close Guantánamo. On Reporter's Notebook, will a Rhodes scholar be the next poster child for the NFL?