To the Point

The US is handing over control to Iraq's own security forces as it prepares to withdraw combat troops from all Iraqi cities by June 30. But strains in political reconciliation and a new wave of bombings threaten to re-ignite simmering sectarian tensions between Sunnis and Shiites. Also, a prominent Republican Senator changes parties, and an update on swine flu.

The latest news from Detroit includes Chrysler's efforts this weekend to make deals that will keep it from heading to bankruptcy. Meantime, General Motors announced a revised business plan today, as well as the closure of historic Pontiac line.  What concessions did the unions make? What does Chrysler need to do to convince creditors not to pull the plug? What's next for the big three? Also, the swine flu pandemic, and journalists in jail. Who’s watching out for the watchdogs? Sara Terry guest hosts.

Some 80 million baby boomers are reaching their late 50's. Will an aging population burden the young or use the wisdom that comes from experience to create a better society? Also, the Big Three automakers are tottering, and stopping a plague of crickets with hard rock music.

Pressure is building to prosecute former Justice Department lawyers for supporting harsh interrogation techniques. We look at that and other issues posed by the release of controversial legal memos. Also, an update on yesterday's voter turnout in South Africa and the prospects for change. 

So-called "stress tests" on nineteen big banks have postponed decisions that could be politically unpopular for the Obama Administration. Now that the results are due, we hear what the consequences might be. Also, Secretary Clinton goes back to Capitol Hill, and transportation produces almost a quarter of all greenhouse gases. Will garbage help to reduce global warming?

Recent events in Pakistan have increased alarm that a country with nuclear weapons is vulnerable to a Taliban-style Islamist revolution. We talk with Pakistanis and American experts. Also, Bush Administration officials may be tried for torture after all, and the former vice president who won't keep quiet.

Same-sex marriage has been legalized in 4 states and proposed in several others, but it's a long way from becoming a US institution. We talk about Constitutional rights, religious objections and political calculations. Also, today's UN racism conference sparks protests, and torture and war. What's the difference?

Conservative bloggers and some Republican leaders accuse the Obama Administration of trying to silence their voices in the name of homeland security.  What do reaction to a report on right wing extremists and this week’s Tax Day “tea parties” reveal about the direction of partisan politics? Also, the EPA on the regulation of greenhouse gases, and brutal interrogation methods and possible consequences.

President Obama will stop in Mexico on his way to the Summit of the Americas.  Will it be a symbolic exercise or the start of a new era in US relations with Latin America? Also, the politics of tax day, and attempted piracy has been foiled today in the Indian Ocean.