To the Point

Finally, the military surge has been followed by what the US called "benchmark legislation." But it could divide, instead of uniting, Shiites and Sunnis. Also, President Bush arrives in Saudi Arabia, and tomorrow's Michigan primary.

Every election is about change of some kind, but this year it's the buzzword of presidential candidates from Barack Obama to Mitt Romney.  Are they all saying the same thing or does the same word convey a range of political messages--depending on what an individual voter wants to hear? Also, the Federal Reserve avoids using the "R" word, and remembering Sir Edmund Hillary.

In Ramallah today, President Bush laid out more of his vision for a Palestinian state next to Israel. Will the parties agree, or is it too little, too late? Also, are the Arab states still hoping to isolate Iran? Are they looking ahead to next president of the US? Also, American attacks against al Qaeda are up as political expectations are down in Iraq, and the presidential campaigns may going on for a long while. We hear about today's developments in both parties.

There's big change in this year's presidential contests because of two New Hampshire comebacks—-one expected and the other a major surprise. Also, President Bush promotes his version of a two-state solution, and Monday's report that Obama was leading Clinton by 13 points.

Seven years ago, it was hanging chads.  This year, it's computers that can break down or be subject to hacking. Have 3.9 billion federal dollars guaranteed accurate counts in US elections?  Is voter fraud at the polls a real problem?  How about sales of absentee ballots?  Which states are likely to be the next Florida? Also, George Bush makes his first presidential visit to Israel, and an update from New Hampshire.

Clinton and Romney are hoping to stay alive as the latest polls show Obama widening his lead and McCain coming on strong. We get a preview of tomorrow's New Hampshire primaries. Also, today's death penalty case before the US Supreme Court.

With the New Hampshire primaries now just four days away, there is no

Detectives from Scotland Yard will help Pakistan investigate the killing of Benazir Bhutto, but can they give President Pervez Musharraf much-needed credibility? Also, more post-election violence today in Kenya, and Republicans and Democrats caucus tonight in Iowa--with high stakes for America’s political future. 

Wall Street's received a lot of the blame for the financial crisis, but taking advantage good deals is an American tradition. We look at Main Street's contribution to the nation's economic troubles.  Also, the challenges President-elect Obama has inherited, and regrets and betrayals in New York's High Society.

Democrats and Republicans will start registering their preferences in tomorrow's Iowa caucuses. We look at a thoroughly un-democratic process that could be crucial to selecting the next President of the United States. Also, elections in Pakistan delayed as Scotland Yard investigates the Bhutto assassination, and violence in Kenya breaks down a bastion of stability in the Horn Africa.