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Afghanistan: The 'Right War' Gone Wrong Dec 16, 2010

Show notes

With Secretaries Clinton and Gates at his side, President Obama today said that gains in Afghanistan are “fragile” but real. While he still hopes to begin a so-called “conditions-based” withdrawal in July of next year, US combat forces will remain until December of 2014. Also, more trouble for BP -- in the US and in Azerbaijian.

Courts at Odds over Healthcare Law's Individual Mandate Dec 15, 2010

Show notes

Congress passed healthcare reform and the states are putting it into effect, but the battle continues in the political arena and in the courts. Are President Bush's judicial appointees changing constitutional law? Will Republican challenges backfire in favor of the Democrats? Also, the US Senate passes the tax deal, and Chinese consumers are changing the luxury markets — and everything else.

Administration at Odds on How to Boost Middle East Peace Dec 14, 2010

Show notes

President Obama's hope that direct talks would bring Middle East peace in a year seems less likely than ever. The US failed to persuade Israel to freeze settlements in East Jerusalem, and no talks are occurring at all. We ask what might happen next. Also, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange makes bail, and a remembrance of Richard Holbrooke.

Policing Domestic Muslim Radicalism Dec 13, 2010

Show notes

Eric Holder has become the first Attorney General to address a national Muslim group at a time when Muslim-Americans are divided over the anti-terrorist tactics of the FBI. Are agents over-zealous? Are Muslim-Americans themselves doing enough to combat radicalization? Also, a Virginia Judge rules Obama's healthcare bill "unconstitutional," and the US knows which dealers sell guns to Mexican drug gangs. We hear why prosecution is so rare.

Cyber Security and Internet Freedom Dec 10, 2010

Show notes

The Internet is now essential to the global economy, the military and politics. But users are vulnerable to attacks from the inside as well as the outside. We talk with one of America's most notorious cyber criminals, now a security consultant, and others about cyber security. Also, what's left of the UN conference on climate change.

Obama Tax-Cut Deal with GOP Faces Opposition from House Dems Dec 09, 2010

Show notes

House Democrats say they won't let President Obama make what they call "another mistake," and they've voted to hold up his deal with Republicans. Where does that leave tax cuts, unemployment benefits and the President's leadership? Also, cyber-protestors step up attacks in support of WikiLeaks, and China and the Nobel Peace Prize.

The Arrest of Julian Assange and What It Means for WikiLeaks Dec 08, 2010

Show notes

As the world copes with online document dumps by WikiLeaks, Julian Assange has been jailed in England. Has he made the work of US diplomats harder than ever, or created a new standard of openness and accountability? Has he violated the law? Also, President Obama defends his tax-cut compromise, and the corruption charges that led the Senate today to remove a federal judge from office.

Is What Wall Street Makes Worth What It Takes Dec 07, 2010

Show notes

Guest host Conan Nolan takes a critical look at how Wall Street is operating these days and profits being made from financial “innovations” while credit remains tight and unemployment high. We also look at the tax-cut deal between Congressional Republicans and the White House. Also, Julian Assange goes to jail, and students from Shanghai blow away the competition in an international test of math and science skills.

Holiday Shopping, China and Economic Recovery Dec 06, 2010

Show notes

Wall Street executives are getting bonuses, giving parties and renting summer homes in the Hamptons again, but the rest of the economy is growing a lot more slowly. What are the early indicators from holiday shopping? What do shopping habits in China have to do with US recovery? Also, the GOP's winning on tax-cut deal and blocking everything else. On Reporter's Notebook, the Utah Compact, a new approach to illegal immigration.

WikiLeaks: Is the Internet Creating a New World Disorder Dec 03, 2010

Show notes

Cyber attacks can't keep WikiLeaks from continuing to pump out government secrets. Is it journalism? What's the lesson about the power of the Internet to shape society in the future? Also, President Obama in Afghanistan, and a progress report on the Climate Change summit in Cancun.

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