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The Torture Memos: Truth and Consequences Apr 23, 2009

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Pressure is building to prosecute former Justice Department lawyers for supporting harsh interrogation techniques. We look at that and other issues posed by the release of controversial legal memos. Also, an update on yesterday's voter turnout in South Africa and the prospects for change.

Stress Tests: Economics and Politics Apr 22, 2009

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So-called "stress tests" on nineteen big banks have postponed decisions that could be politically unpopular for the Obama Administration. Now that the results are due, we hear what the consequences might be. Also, Secretary Clinton goes back to Capitol Hill, and transportation produces almost a quarter of all greenhouse gases. Will garbage help to reduce global warming?

Is Pakistan Ripe for an Islamic Revolution? Apr 21, 2009

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Recent events in Pakistan have increased alarm that a country with nuclear weapons is vulnerable to a Taliban-style Islamist revolution. We talk with Pakistanis and American experts. Also, Bush Administration officials may be tried for torture after all, and the former vice president who won't keep quiet.

Same-Sex Marriage: The Law, Religion and Politics Apr 20, 2009

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Same-sex marriage has been legalized in 4 states and proposed in several others, but it's a long way from becoming a US institution. We talk about Constitutional rights, religious objections and political calculations. Also, today's UN racism conference sparks protests, and torture and war. What's the difference?

Tea Parties, Terrorism and Political Partisanship Apr 17, 2009

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Conservative bloggers and some Republican leaders accuse the Obama Administration of trying to silence their voices in the name of homeland security. What do reaction to a report on right wing extremists and this week’s Tax Day “tea parties” reveal about the direction of partisan politics? Also, the EPA on the regulation of greenhouse gases, and brutal interrogation methods and possible consequences.

Is a Wave of Foreclosures Heading Our Way? Apr 16, 2009

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Just as the Obama administration’s “homeowner rescue” plan finally gets into gear, home foreclosures are on the rise. Also, the insurance agent AIG spends taxpayer money for PR to clean up its image. On Reporter's Notebook later on, women’s rights—or the lack of them in Afghanistan.

A New President Goes South of the Border Apr 15, 2009

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President Obama will stop in Mexico on his way to the Summit of the Americas. Will it be a symbolic exercise or the start of a new era in US relations with Latin America? Also, the politics of tax day, and attempted piracy has been foiled today in the Indian Ocean.

Piracy: The Legacy of a Failed State Apr 14, 2009

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Four more ships have been seized by Somali pirates who threaten vengeance for those killed during hostage rescues. We hear how instability in the Horn of Africa has bred international lawlessness. Should the merchant nations resort to force or help the region solve economic and political problems? Also, President Obama speaks hard truths about the economy and opens a crack in the door to engagement with Cuba.

Piracy on the High Seas and Gun Control in America Apr 13, 2009

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Despite a rash of mass killings, calls for increased gun control are falling on deaf ears. Has the NRA prevailed in Washington and state capitols? Will American guns continue to flow to Mexican drug cartels? Also, the US resolves to do what's necessary to combat piracy in the Indian Ocean.

Religion in the 'Modern' World Apr 10, 2009

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Secularism is a defining characteristic of the "Modern" world. So why is there such an increase in religious belief? With two major religions celebrating holidays, we look at faith in America and other parts of the world. Also, "glimmers of hope" for the economy, and America's electrical grid and cyberspies.

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