To the Point

Links to the murder of a former Russian spy have now spread from London to Hamburg, not to mention Moscow. We update the investigation and talk about what's happened to Russia since the breakup of the Soviet Union. Plus, Washington announces that there will be no imminent change on Iraq policy, despite increased violence in Baghdad.  And, despite $90,000 in marked bills in his freezer, a Democrat has won re-election to Congress. We talk about political scandal in Washington and New Orleans.

At the height of the holiday season, the Hollywood film Blood Diamond is raising questions about a $60 billion industry. What are the human costs of diamond production? Are diamond profits still used to fund brutal conflicts? How important are diamonds to the economies of many African countries? Plus, Secretary General Kofi Annan delivers his farewell speech to the United Nations, and a conversation with an American journalist all too familiar with the late Agusto Pinochet's brutal reign in Chile and how he came to power.

The Middle East is changing fast, with US influence waning and Iran challenging Israel as a major regional power. We hear about democracy, radical Islam, and anti-Americanism. Should US interests depend more on military action or diplomacy? Plus, Defense Secretary Rumsfeld holds his last town hall session at the Pentagon, and the mock-documentary Borat--and the law.

House Democrats say presidential impeachment is "off the table," but rallies this weekend will try to build grassroots momentum.  At the same time, civil rights lawyers want Donald Rumsfeld tried for war crimes in Germany.  An American General says she’ll be a witness against him. Would a wartime impeachment weaken America and damage the Democrats' chances in 2008?  Does a foreign court have the right to prosecute US officials?  Then, a rescue in Oregon and cell phone technology.

The Iraq Study Group says Iraq is in danger of "chaos," "anarchy" and "collapse." It proposes dramatic changes that may be difficult for President Bush to accept. We hear the early White House response and debate the recommendations. Then, by banning trans fats in restaurants, will New York City change the way America eats?

Donald Rumsfeld's proposed replacement has told a Senate committee that America is not winning the war in Iraq. We hear more about former CIA Director Robert Gates, his controversial career and his possible role in America's military future. Plus, strained relations between Britain and Russia over the radioactive poisoning of a former Russian spy, and with their work over, leaders of the Iraq Study Group have sat for pictures in Men's Vogue magazine.  We get an update on tomorrow's much-awaited report.

With New Orleans less than half as big as it was before Katrina, FEMA is trying to cut rent subsidies that could help more people return. The Army Corps of Engineers is dragging its feet on projects that could guarantee a safer city.  Is the federal government abandoning a major American city?  Are black people the big losers? Plus,John Bolton, US Ambassador to the UN,

Is the renewed influence of religion in public life a threat to reason and science? That's the conviction of some nonbelievers aggressively advocating Atheism. We hear the latest version of an ancient argument in the US, where Atheists have less credibility than anyone else. Plus, Mexico swears in its new President amidst a slug-fest, and a conversation about Hugo Chavez. Dictator out of control or secular saint?

After the summit in Jordan, President Bush appears to reject James Baker's Iraq Study Group even before its recommendations get to the White House. Prime Minister al-Maliki may be losing control of his government. Who's running Iraq?  What should the US do? Plus, traces of radiation discovered in a dozen sites during the investigation into the death of the late Russian spy, Alexander Litvinenko, and does immigration cause violence and crime, or make cities safer?

President Bush is in Jordan for talks with Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who's been jolted by new challenges to his leadership and his diplomatic credibility.  Does al-Maliki have the power to control his own country?  Would more American troops make a difference?  We look at the withdrawal of crucial support for al-Maliki's government and the options available for new American policies. Plus, how explosive-sniffing honeybees might help in war and homeland security.