To the Point

By KCRWNews

To the Point episodes

August 25, 2006 Does Approval of "Morning-after" Pill Mean Change at FDA?
After three years of debate about science and
social issues, the morning-after pill can be sold over the counter to women
over 18.
52 min
August 24, 2006 The Global Politics of Water
The world is embroiled in dozens of bloody conflicts over
oil, ethnicity and religion. What will happen when there's a global shortage of
water? The most vital substance for human
survival is already in short supply. Are there water wars in our future?
52 min
August 23, 2006 Iraq and the War on Terror: Politics and Reality
President Bush says the November election should focus on Iraq as part of the war on terror. But a majority of Americans don't buy the connection. We look at the implications of "staying the course"--on American politics and the realities on the ground.
52 min
August 22, 2006 Iran Reponds to UN Demands
Iran wants to resume talks about its nuclear program, but nobody thinks it will stop enriching uranium that could provide fuel for an atom bomb.
53 min
August 21, 2006 The Politics of Peacekeeping
Europe is dragging its feet on troop deployment in southern Lebanon, and Israel is accused of violating the
ceasefire. Can the rules of engagement
be clarified in time to prevent the agreement from falling apart?
52 min
August 18, 2006 Should the President Negotiate with His Enemies?
Next week, Iran says it will reply to European and American offers of economic and technological assistance in exchange for halting progress toward building a nuclear bomb. In an open letter, 21 former military officials, diplomats and Pentagon civilians have urged President Bush to resolve the crisis "through diplomacy, not military action," warning of "disastrous consequences" that will damage America's interests. The President has insisted that the military option remain on the table, saying that negotiating with "evil" regimes just rewards bad behavior. Will America be more secure by relying on force--and the threat of force--or negotiating with adversaries? In addition to Iran, what about Syria, Hamas, Hezbollah and North Korea? Making News: Ford Will Cut Production to Speed RestructuringAfter meeting with economic advisors today at Camp David, President Bush pronounced the economy "solid and strong," with growth at 4% and unemployment at 4.8%. Despite his optimism, the Ford Motor Company says it will close plants to cut production by 21%. Jeffrey McCracken, who covers the automotive industry for the Wall Street Journal, assesses the ripple effect of Ford's restructuring on consumers and industry.Reporter's Notebook: US Hopes to Rival Hezbollah with Rebuilding EffortThe Lebanese Army has moved into the southern part of the country, all the way to the Israeli border. Meantime, President Bush has promised to help repair the damage done by Israel in the past month, saying that Hezbollah will be the ultimate loser in southern Lebanon. Can the US rebuild its image by rebuilding Lebanon? Jon Alterman, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs during Bush's first term, is at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
52 min
August 17, 2006 After Southern Lebanon, What about the Palestinians?
The Lebanese army is deploying equipment and soldiers south
of the Litani River,
but France
may be backing away from its promise to lead a peacekeeping force.

53 min
August 16, 2006 The London Airline Plot and the War on Terror
British officials are still trying to unravel the plot to
blow up airliners headed to the US. Did political pressure force arrests before
intelligence agents were ready? Where
does Pakistan
really stand? Are spies more important
than soldiers in the "war on terror?"
52 min
August 14, 2006 How Long Can the Cease-fire in Lebanon Last?
It’s been less than a day, but the cease-fire
between Israel
and Hezbollah seems to be holding. Also, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez visits an ailing Fidel Castro.
52 min
August 11, 2006 War in the Middle East and Terror in the Air
More on the plot to blow up US-bound airlines, an update on the Middle East and the real story in Castro's Cuba.
52 min

About To the Point

From the publisher's feed

A monthly reality-check on the issues Americans care about most. Host Warren Olney draws on his decades of experience to explore the people and issues shaping – and disrupting - our world. How did…