To the Point

After the dot.com bubble burst, America's economy took a tumble, but the results of the sub-prime mortgage crisis could be a full-on recession. Also, Pakistani President Musharraf gives in to domestic and harsh sentences for women in Sudan and Saudi Arabia. Are they true reflections of Islamic law?

For the first time since the Clinton Administration, Israel and the Palestinians have agreed to resume negotiations. We hear about a framework for peace and the prospects for success or failure. Also, the high cost of hospice, when patients live longer than expected.

The acceleration of the presidential primary schedule was supposed to make the traditional early voting states like Iowa and New Hampshire less important. But things haven’t quite worked out that way. Also, the Middle East peace conference, which begins tomorrow in Annapolis, Maryland, and Senate Republican Whip Tent Lott calls it quits. Marc Cooper guest hosts.

Toys, tires, foods and toothpaste have raised questions about the safety of imports from China. Is China trying to clean up its act? What about the demand for cheap products from US companies--and from consumers? We hear a program that's as relevant today, as the holiday season gets underway, as it was when it was first broadcast back in July. Also, will immigration enforcement mean a shortage of Christmas trees? (This archived edition of To the Point will not air live on KCRW as it will

The UN has given mixed reviews to biofuels that produce energy from agricultural products. They may be counter-productive for the environment. America's corn farmers are reaping a financial harvest from ethanol. Is it really cleaner and cheaper? What does it mean for the price of food?  Also, the upcoming Middle East peace summit in Annapolis, and is thin really healthier than fat? (This archived edition of To the Point will not air live on KCRW as it will be pre-empted by special holiday programming.)

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is leading a final push for Mid-East peace next week in Annapolis. There are already harsh critics, but she has invited 49 participants and President Bush will personally try and create momentum for his proposed two-state solution. Also, GOP conservative Huckabee rises in the presidential polls, and at the start of the holiday movie season, few films promise as much debate as an odd look at Bob Dylan. Jim Sterngold guest hosts.

After a decade in which oil-producing countries struggled with weak markets, booming prices have suddenly rearranged global politics. All but forgotten during the 1990's, OPEC now is influencing decisions from Washington to Beijing. Also, producing stem cells without destroying human embryos, and Southeast Asia's booming trading powers try to unite. Will concerns about Myanmar's military dictators leave them divided? Jim Sterngold guest hosts.

Since 9/11 the Bush Administration has supported the government of General Pervez Musharraf. Washington has provided more than $10 billion in aid in return for Pakistan's support in the fight against the Taliban and al Qaeda. Now that Musharraf has declared emergency rule. Also, the Bush Administration's Middle East peace initiative, and the FBI is questioning hundreds of criminal convictions. Jim Sterngold guest hosts.

Healthcare is on the top of the list for potential voters of both parties in the presidential campaign, but Republicans and Democrats sound as if they're in different worlds. When the election's over, will they be able to come together or will partisanship prevent the compromise required by two-party rule?  Also, the Iraq War funding bill stalls in Senate partisanship, and auto-makers say they're "going green."  Do they really mean it?

The US military says violence has been reduced in Iraq to the lowest point in two years, but top officers complain that Iraq's government is missing the opportunity for political reconciliation. Also, federal investigators slip bomb-making components past airport security guards, and local cities are making life easier for illegal immigrants.