To the Point

Why did the Pentagon choose to announce a new focus on Africa while Chinese President Hu Jintao is on a 12-day tour of the continent? Does China's increasing economic attention there a threat to US interests in the region? Guest host Lawrence O'Donnell looks at the Chinese approach to investment in Africa, human rights and economic development, as well as Pentagon concerns about China's growing influence there.  Also, Iraq's Deputy Health Minister arrested for supporting Shiite militias, and on Reporter's Notebook, Nancy Pelosi's plane. How big is too big?

An act of Congress is going to make DNA sampling as common as fingerprinting for anybody arrested by federal agents. Illegal immigrants were the original targets, but even US citizens not charged with crimes might have to give up their genetic codes.  We hear about an almost unnoticed amendment to the Violence against Women Act.  Also, a new security operation begins in Baghdad, and on Reporter's Notebook, there's new momentum on healthcare reform.

The Iraq war has intensified this year's debate on increasing the Pentagon's budget, which the President calls necessary for the war on terror. Is the military spending more and getting less for the money? What are the trade-offs? What's the impact on the economy? Meantime, Democrats are beginning their public investigation into the conduct of the war and occupation.

In bids for more influence in next year's presidential elections, big states and little states are moving their primaries forward. New Hampshire's may be held in December of this year. The nominations could be decided exactly a week from today. Would that put an end to what's left of real political discourse?  Would it finally reduce all presidential politics to TV commercials? Plus, President Bush presents his budget for 2008 and, on Reporter's Notebook, murders, assaults, imprisonments and legal harassment of journalists all over the world.

Support for Israel and the urge to transform the Muslim Middle East go back to the Pilgrims and the Founding Fathers. We hear how current American policies and actions have been shaped by the past, and what history suggests about future US involvement in a troubled region.  Plus, the latest intelligence report on Iraq and, on Reporter's Notebook, the UN's toughest warning yet about global warming and rewards offered for poking holes in the report. 

Influential reporters are revealing protected sources at the Lewis "Scooter" Libby trial. Is the free press at risk in the courtroom?  We hear about anonymous sources, political payback and the public's right to know.  Plus, General Casey goes before the Senate Armed Services Committee for his nomination to become Army Chief-of-Staff.  On Reporter's Notebook, Italy's former Prime Minister issues a public apology to his wife.

When it comes to the Iraq war, President Bush says he is the only "decider." But even Republicans disagree.  Can the Congress tell the President what to do?  Can either party agree on what that should be?  Plus, a recent audit shows there's little to show for the billions spent on Iraq reconstruction.  On Reporter's Notebook, arrest warrants have been issued for US agents accused by Germany of "extraordinary rendition." 

President Bush denies any intention of invading Iran, but he's been warning about its activities in Iraq and its growing influence in the Middle East. After years of enmity, what's the state of relations between Iran and Iraq? With America's military build-up in the Persian Gulf, could the proxy war with Iran turn into the real thing? Plus, the commander of US forces in the Middle East says it's time to redefine goals in Iraq.  On Reporter's Notebook, regulators say nuclear power plants don't need additional protection against 9/11-type attacks from the air.

President Bush's former press secretary testified in court today against Vice President Cheney's former top aide.  What did Ari Fleischer say about what "Scooter" Libby knew and when he knew it?  What's being revealed about a notoriously secretive White House?  Also, a foiled plot against Iraq's Grand Ayatollah Sistani, and Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro has been put to death.

Despite objections from Congress, President Bush said again today he's "the decision maker" who will not modify his plans for Iraq. He also confirmed his order to capture or kill Iranian agents thought to be threatening American troops in Iraq. Those stories, and the growing number of refugees from Iraqi violence and sectarian cleansing. Between 40,000 and 50,000 a month are leaving the country. Why have just 466 been allowed into the United States? How does that compare to Vietnam?    On Reporter's Notebook, while President Bush orders a kill-order against Iranian operatives in Iraq, Russian President Vladimir Putin is in India, angling for lucrative nuclear contracts.