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Peace Talks in Afghanistan: The Promise and the Reality Jun 03, 2010

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President Karzai's effort at reaching out to the Taliban may have failed before it began. We update this week's "peace jirga" with 1600 tribal leaders and politicians. Is it building support for Karzai's government? Will it make any difference for US soldiers? Also, BP cuts a leaking pipe, as the oil slick heads eastward, and wrecking a perfect game.

Israel, the Gaza Strip and America's Role in the Middle East Jun 02, 2010

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Israel is taking a hard line on both its blockade of Gaza and its assault on a so-called "humanitarian" mission at sea. We get the latest on Monday's incident and the pros and cons of the blockade. Also, the latest on efforts to contain the oil spill in the Gulf, and the US Supreme Court and "Miranda Rights."

Israel and the Aid Ship for Gaza Jun 01, 2010

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Even some Israelis say their leaders fell into a trap, telling commandos to slide down ropes from hovering helicopters into an angry crowd. As the diplomatic repercussions spread worldwide, still another aid ship is scheduled to sail for Gaza today or tomorrow. We have updates from the Middle East, the UN and Washington, where the Obama Administration faces another awkward reality. Also, after threats of renewed violence last week, an easing of tensions on the Korean Peninsula .

On Memorial Day: The Politics of Remembering May 31, 2010

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Memorial Day might seem as American as Apple Pie, but it takes on different forms for different people at different times. We hear about memorializing the war dead from Arlington National Cemetery to the Internet. Also, the official beginning of hurricane season, and Apple overcomes Microsoft.

The Oil Spill, the President and Public Perception May 28, 2010

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Five weeks after the Deepwater Horizon explosion, President Obama interrupted his Chicago homecoming today for his second trip to Louisiana. He picked up tar balls on beaches, drove past sign-waving residents and met with a who’s who of local and regional officials. We hear what he had to say.

President Obama on Oil in the Gulf; Gays in the Military May 27, 2010

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As scientists concluded today that the Gulf oil spill is the worst in the nation’s history, President Obama spoke to reporters who asked him again and again if federal response has been too little, too late. We have more on his news conference and a progress report on "Top Kill." Also, the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" compromise on Capitol Hill.

Will 'Top Kill' Prevent a Disaster from Getting Worse? May 26, 2010

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President Obama will announce new deep-sea oil regulations tomorrow, and Friday he'll visit the Gulf coast for the second time since the spill. Will BP finally have plugged the oil gusher? We get a progress report today on what's called “Top Kill.” Also, retiring the Space Shuttle Atlantis. On Reporter's Notebook, why are 1200 National Guard troops are on their way to the Mexican border?

Is Synthetic Biology about to Make Life in a Laboratory? May 25, 2010

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A renowned geneticist claims a major advance toward creating life in a laboratory. We look at the possible benefits and drawbacks, as well as ethical and religious questions raised by "synthetic biology." Also, stocks dive on financial and political worries, and South Africa and the World Cup.

Defense Spending, Military Needs and the Federal Deficit May 24, 2010

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Defense Secretary Robert Gates has advised President Obama to veto spending for projects the Pentagon doesn't want. But Gate's own proposals mean the Defense Budget might not decline after all. Are tough questions about the growing deficit going unanswered? Also, South Korea seeks UN Action against Pyongyang, and Facebook, sharing and privacy.

The Gulf Oil Spill: Pollution and Politics May 21, 2010

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As thick ooze begins to wash up on the Gulf coast, tensions are rising between BP, the Obama Administration and independent scientists. What’s in store for marine life, human health - and regulatory authority? Majority Leader Harry Reid says the Senate’s finance reform means, “the joyride on Wall Street will come to a screeching halt.” Will the House go along? And, with jittery investors looking on worldwide, Germany today agreed to spend almost a trillion dollars to bailout the rest of Europe.

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