To the Point

Local cops claim they're increasingly out-gunned by criminals with high-caliber automatic weapons.  So they're beefing up their own armaments. The federal Assault Weapons ban expired three years ago. Has that produced an arms race in American cities? Was the ban really all that effective? Plus, Democrats plan to increase pressure on President Bush over his plan for increased troops in Iraq and, on Reporter's Notebook, the mainstream media are taking heat for over-covering Anna Nicole Smith.  Did they have any choice?

The attacks of September 11 aroused fears that chemical storage sites could be terrorist targets, but new federal rules are being called "flawed" and potentially "harmful." How vulnerable are industrial sites? How great is the risk to the public? Does government or industry know best what needs to be done?  Plus, Iran defies the IAEA and, on Reporter's Notebook, from the tabloids to the battleground, Britain's Prince Harry will be shipping off to Iraq.

The Bush Administration is changing its tune on Al Qaeda.  Last year, it was "on the run."  Now, it's back in business.  What's happening in Northwest Pakistan?  What does it mean for the future of the war on terror?  Plus, Prime Minister Tony Blair will pull move than 2000 British troops out of Iraq.  On Reporter's Notebook, does video gaming make for better surgeons? 

Today's Mardi Gras will provide a new measure of New Orleans' recovery 18 months after Katrina.  Are the tourists returning despite increased crime?  Why do permanent residents have such a hard time deciding whether to stay or go?  Also, Mike McConnell is sworn in as Director of National Intelligence and, on Reporter's Notebook, are the Libby trial and the nuclear deal with North Korea signs that Vice President Dick Cheney may be losing influence?

Condoleezza Rice had little to say today after a much-awaited meeting with leaders of Israel and the Palestinians. Why were no issues resolved? Is Middle East peace any closer?  What does Saudi Arabia have to do with it?  Also, suicide bombers defy a security crackdown that Iraqi leaders claimed was working.  On Reporter's Notebook, how did reverence for past presidents turn into a stampede for bargains on Presidents Day?

In the House of Representatives, the debate is over at last.  The resolution opposing the President's increase of troops in Iraq is expected to pass later today. Since the President plans to ignore it, what happens next?  We'll look at the options and the prospects for action that's "binding."   Also, Italy will try 26 US citizens, most of them CIA, in a case of "extraordinary rendition" and, on Reporter's Notebook, why is the Bush Justice Department firing prosecutors?

President Bush denies any intention to invade Iran, but foreign allies and adversaries--and many Republicans--are skeptical.  The administration is haunted by what some call the "Iraq syndrome." What will it take to restore America's credibility?   Plus, Hamas' resignation as the ruling party in the Palestinian Territories and, on Reporter's Notebook, why are Hungary and the Czech Republic better for children than the United States?

Democrats in Congress are taking a long look at private contractors, the second largest force in Iraq. Does outsourcing help soldiers do their jobs and save money?  Does it allow for warfare without accountability?  Plus, President Bush reminds the Congress that its nonbinding Iraq resolution should not curtail further funding for the war.  On Reporter's Notebook, if you think Antony and Cleopatra looked like Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, think again.

Vladimir Putin berated the US this weekend in terms that echoed the Cold War. Is the New Russia looking more like the old?  We look at Kremlin takeovers of energy and the  media.  What about the imprisonment and mysterious killings of business rivals and political critics?   Plus, Iran denies US charges that it armed Shiite groups in Iraq with armor-piercing weaponry.  On Reporter's Notebook, the Dixie Chicks and the politics of pop music.

Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald has made his case--or has he? Scooter Libby's defense will begin next week after three weeks of prosecution testimony. What have we learned from the trial? What's next? Is the Libby case about how the White House went to war or much ado about a crime that never happened?  The Pentagon's Inspector General questions the propriety of a Defense Department intelligence report. On Reporter's Notebook, the diamond trade tries to clean up its act.  Lawarence O'Donnell guest hosts.