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The Taliban in Afghanistan: Back with a Vengeance Jun 18, 2008

Show notes

NATO forces and Afghan soldiers have launched operations against what could be the Taliban's long-anticipated "Spring offensive." Also, the President asks Congress to lift the ban on off-shore drilling, and "Curveball" goes public.

Has Guantanamo Bay Been Holding the Wrong Men? Jun 17, 2008

Show notes

The US Supreme Court says prisoners at Guantánamo Bay can challenge their detentions in court. Has the prison for terrorists been holding the wrong men? Also, Israel is silent as Hamas announces that a truce is imminent, and McCain and Obama on oil and the environment.

Is Midwestern Flood Damage Worse than It Needed to Be? Jun 16, 2008

Show notes

This year's Midwest rainfall and flooding is the worst since 1993, which was the worst in living memory up until then. Has recent development guaranteed that the devastation will be more extensive than it needed to be? In Britain, Bush gets agreements to increase pressure on Iran, and same-sex marriage in California.

Do Political Labels Still Fit in an Era of Change? Jun 13, 2008

Show notes

Is Barack Obama a tax-and-spend liberal Democrat or is he not liberal enough? Is Republican John McCain a real conservative -- a "maverick" -- or something else? After decades of political polarization, both candidates claim they want to be agents of change. Do the familiar labels still matter at all? Also, rising flood waters wreak havoc in Iowa, and California's latest tourist attraction: same-sex marriage.

Immigration Reform: Outside the Beltway Jun 12, 2008

Show notes

Congress has dropped the ball on illegal immigration, leading states and cities to enact new laws and round up immigrants on their own. We hear about the impact on local business. When immigrants are driven out, where do they go? Will the issue take center stage in the presidential campaign? Also, Iowa residents flee as flood waters rise, and Guantánamo prisoners get legal rights.

Can Democrats Close the 'God Gap?' Jun 11, 2008

Show notes

John McCain has failed to inspire the religious right, while Barack Obama is reaching out to evangelical Christians. Can the Democrats win voters of faith away from the Republicans? What about the separation of church and state? Also, German's Chancellor backs President Bush’s call for sanctions against Iran, and more US trouble in Pakistan.

How Much Longer for US Troops in Iraq? Jun 10, 2008

Show notes

The Bush Administration promises no "secret deal" to keep US troops in Iraq, but Senators of both parties say confidential agreements could tie the next president's hands. Is the US trying to establish permanent bases? We'll hear what's being said in Iraq, elsewhere in the Middle East, on Capitol Hill and on the campaign trail. Also, Senate Republicans vote against Democratic energy bill, and NASA has unexpected trouble on Mars.

With Preliminaries over, It's Time for the Main Event Jun 09, 2008

Show notes

With Hillary Clinton out—at least for the moment--it's down to McCain and Obama. We hear how the November campaign shapes up—and what role Clinton still might be playing. Also, a growing economic malaise as oil and gas continue to rise, and President Bush begins a farewell tour of Europe...in Slovenia.

Zimbabwe and South Africa in Transition Jun 06, 2008

Show notes

In Zimbabwe today, authorities again banned opposition rallies and detained the leader of the opposition party. With the election just three weeks away, how is unrest in Zimbabwe affecting the region? Meanwhile in South Africa, violence against foreigners is part of a rising crime rate that has made the country the most dangerous place in the world to live, outside of a war zone. Also, a weak job market wobbles an already anemic economy, and the life and times – and death – of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and how they resonate in today's political landscape. Sara Terry guest hosts.

A protester carries a portrait of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe as thousands of people march to protest the attacks on the immigrant community in Johannesburg, South Africa. Photo: John Moore/Getty Images

How Does Obama's Victory Look to the Rest of the World? Jun 05, 2008

Show notes

Barack Obama broke barriers and made history earlier this week when he won enough delegates to earn his party's nomination for president. What does the rest of the world think about his achievement? Will his nomination change America's image abroad? Also, Hillary Clinton plans her exit strategy, and at Guantánamo today, arraignments of five men are the beginning of a long legal process. Sara Terry guest hosts.

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