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Iraq and the Next President of the United States Apr 09, 2008

Show notes

Petraeus and Crocker are telling Congress to stay the course, but the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army says Iraq and Afghanistan are degrading US readiness for other contingencies with "significant risk to the all-volunteer force." Also, American Airlines cancels nearly half its entire schedule, and the torch relay, China and the International Olympic Committee

Petraeus and Crocker: Back on Capitol Hill Apr 08, 2008

Show notes

General David Petraeus told a Senate Committee he wants 45 days after the "surge" ends in July -- and after that, still more time to determine when more troops can come home. Also, what's next for the Olympic Torch.

The Border Fence with Mexico: What's the Rush? Apr 07, 2008

Show notes

Congress wants to fence off the Mexican border by the end of this year. So, the Bush Administration has waived the Clean Air and Endangered Species Acts along with some 30 other environmental laws. Will completing the fence mean better border enforcement? Will it be worth the environmental costs? Also, Muqtada al-Sadr offers to disband his Madhi Army, and the Olympic Torch—extinguished in Paris. What's expected in San Francisco?

Will Violent Protests in Tibet Derail China's Olympic Games? Apr 04, 2008

Show notes

The German chancellor has decided to boycott the Beijing Olympics in protest of China's treatment of Tibet. The French president is considering the same. President Bush plans to attend the opening ceremonies, but has publicly expressed his concern about how harshly China has reacted to protests in Tibet. Guest host Lawrence O’Donnell explores how the protests will affect the Olympic Games as well as China's policy toward Tibet. Also, the final meeting between Presidents Bush and Putin, and how a 19-year old Miami masseur became a major international arms dealer.

A 'Perfect Storm' Is Increasing Global Hunger Apr 03, 2008

Show notes

The head of the World Bank says children as young as four or five are fleeing "the safety of their rural communities to fight for food in teeming cities." Food riots are happening already, with more predicted in 30 to 40 countries. One problem is the switch from food production to bio-fuels. We hear about hunger, a global emergency. Also, the housing relief bill in the Senate, and questions about whether the FAA is too cozy with the airlines it’s supposed to regulate.

George W. Bush and the Future of NATO Apr 02, 2008

Show notes

President Bush is in Bucharest, Romania for his last NATO summit. We hear about troops in Afghanistan, Russia's concerns about new member nations and the future of the NATO alliance. Also, Bernanke's sobering assessment of the US economy, and the Olympic torch will get a mixed reception next week when it comes to San Francisco.

The Last Days of the Bush EPA Apr 01, 2008

Show notes

The US Supreme Court told the Environmental Protection Agency to determine if greenhouse gasses are a danger to public health. That would require new mileage standards for cars and trucks. Would it also devastate the economy? Is the Bush White House holding back on the order to help mom and pop business or major industrial polluters? Also, an update on the presidential election in Zimbabwe, and the "war on terror" and the American justice system.

The Iraqi Ceasefire: Winners and Losers Mar 31, 2008

Show notes

After initiating a week of deadly fighting, Iraq's Prime Minister al-Maliki looks weaker than when it began. The winners appear to include Iran. Also, the Bush Administration loses another cabinet member, proposed financial regulatory reform and a "virtual convention" of Democratic leaders is already under way.

Wall Street, Home Foreclosures and the Presidential Campaign Mar 28, 2008

Show notes

With a crisis on Wall Street and home foreclosures soaring, does the US economy need more government or less? Recent statements make Obama and Clinton seem far from McCain. Does the rhetoric reflect the reality? We talk with all three campaigns.
Also, President Bush says Iraq has reached a "defining moment."

The Battle for Basra and the Race for the White House Mar 27, 2008

Show notes

President Bush has high praise for Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's crackdown on Shiite militias, but there's a lot at stake for both leaders. Maliki's political future and US troop withdrawals are both at risk. What could it all mean for McCain, Obama and Clinton? Also, US officials are accused of "meddling" in Pakistan, and the African president who won't leave.

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