To the Point

The President's escalation of force in Afghanistan will have a civilian component, although he's left it to others to explain the details. Is it "nation building" by another name? We hear about the hope for success and the risk of failure. Also, the growing threat of homegrown terrorism.

Fifteen thousand delegates, 5,000 reporters and 98 world leaders are gathering in Copenhagen to talk about climate change as the basic science faces a new challenge.  We hear about economics, technology and stolen e-mails.  Also, the EPA declares carbon emissions a danger to public health.

Yesterday's White House jobs summit was good PR, but what's the Obama Administration doing to get the economy rolling again?  We hear from a senior White House advisor and others. Also, a better than expected jobs report, and the green light for solar energy panels -- based in space.

With much of the world now focused on Afghanistan, what about the war in Iraq? Could the failure of civilian government lead to renewed violence and pull US troops back into action? What would that mean for the surge in Afghanistan? Also, the Senate votes to safeguard coverage for mammograms, and Cable giant Comcast takes over NBC Universal.

President Obama laid out his new strategy for Afghanistan last night, and the all-out effort to sell it got underway today on Capitol Hill with testimony from Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Mike Mullen and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

At 8pm East Coast time today, President Obama will outline a stepped-up process for escalating the US commitment to Afghanistan. We get a preview. Also, the collapse of Dubai. What happened to due diligence by investors around the world. Is this a test of Islamic financing under Shariah law?

Healthcare reform has finally made it to the Senate floor, and there's a chance that both houses might pass their different versions by the end of this year. As Senate debate gets underway we look at what's at stake for America's families. Also, video games move out of the dorm rooms and into the classroom.

When the great recession got under way, credit card companies began changing their rules, making it harder for struggling consumers to pay their bills. Congress enacted reform in May, but gave the industry nine months to clean up its act. What we told you in March, when this discussion originally aired, will still be valid until after this Christmas. Also, retailers are facing a weak holiday system, and two and a half million Muslim pilgrims descend on Mecca.

Farmers' markets are all the rage and school lunches are more nutritious than they used to be, but some urban American neighborhoods are “food deserts” with no grocery stores. We hear good news and bad news, and get some surprises today about how food and the way we eat it are changing. Also, investigating the Mumbai attacks, one year later, and an international video project on Democracy.

Do concussions on the football field cause brain damage? Have coaches, team doctors and players themselves been in denial? We hear about growing evidence and some new signals of seriousness from the National Football League. Also, President Obama goes to Copenhagen, and feeding the hungry on Thanksgiving Day. Are you really needed?