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America's Tangled Diplomacy in the Middle East May 03, 2007

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Condoleezza Rice met with her Syrian counterpart today in a diplomatic breakthrough. Also, Democrats focus on Iraq benchmarks and, on Reporter's Notebook, the myths and history of America's first British Colony.

Getting Rid of America's Chemical Weapons May 02, 2007

Show notes

A toxic nerve agent is being trucked from Indiana to Port Arthur, Texas as the US destroys its arsenal of chemical weapons. The Army says it's perfectly safe, but other states have rejected such shipments, and Port Arthur is divided. We find out why. Also, the Israeli Foreign Minister calls for Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to resign and, on Reporter's Notebook, an accused madam has created a furor in Washington, DC. If she releases the names of her clients, should the media print them or not?

Are America's Top Military Leaders Letting the Country Down? May 01, 2007

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A highly regarded Army lieutenant colonel has exposed a split between younger officers and the military's top brass. Are "mild-mannered team players" repeating the mistakes of Vietnam in Iraq? Is there "a crisis in American generals?" Should Congress intervene? Also, recent raids and deportations decrease strength of today's immigration demonstrations and, on Reporter's Notebook, Sinclair Lewis warned 70 years ago that the US could become an authoritarian state. A new book says the risk is still with us.

Tenet's Book Offers Window into White House Inner Circle Apr 30, 2007

Show notes

Former CIA Director George Tenet's new book went on sale this morning, but Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was already leading the backlash yesterday. Also, five British men sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of conspiring to set off massive explosions and, on Reporter's Notebook, the pet food that killed cats and dogs has spread to America's human food supply. Federal regulators say not to worry.

The Democrats Who Want to Be President Apr 27, 2007

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South Carolina's a red state, but the eight Democratic candidates for president got together there last night to debate on Iraq, healthcare and other issues. We get assessments from across the spectrum of party opinion. Also, Saudi Arabia arrests nearly 200 alleged Islamic militants, and CIA Director George Tenet's new book.

Iraq Spending Bill Is on Its Way to the White House Apr 26, 2007

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The Senate and Congress have sent President Bush the Iraq spending bill that he's promised to veto. We hear about the debate, the "surge," timetables for troop withdrawal, and the importance of public opinion. Also, the UN criticizes Maliki government over Iraq's increasing violence and, on Reporter's Notebook, a committee of Congress has subpoenaed Condoleezza Rice to testify about the justification for war. She's not inclined to comply.

Why Aren't the Honeybees Coming Home? Apr 25, 2007

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Fourteen billion dollars in fruits, vegetables, flowers and nuts are at risk because honeybees are disappearing by the tens of billions. Nobody knows where they're going, but they're not coming home. It's a mysterious risk to the food chain nationwide. Also, General David Petraeus goes behind closed doors with House leaders and, on Reporter's Notebook, Mexico City has legalized abortion. We talk about women's rights in Latin America.

Darfur: The Search for Solutions Apr 24, 2007

Show notes

President Bush has threatened to expand economic sanctions against Sudan, but he's given the UN's new Secretary General more time for diplomacy. The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is more complex than it looks to westerners. Is it time for more peacekeepers? What about climate change? Also, new questions raised over the death of former football star Pat Tillman and, on Reporter's Notebook, from inside the Bush Administration, an investigation of Karl Rove. How far will it go?

Abortion: After the US Supreme Court's Latest Decision Apr 23, 2007

Show notes

A majority of the US Supreme Court has changed its standards when it comes to abortion. The minority finds that "alarming." Can doctors still use what they believe are the safest procedures? What's left of a woman's right to choose? Also, the death of former Russian president, Boris Yeltsin and, on Reporter's Notebook, the FDA knew in advance that spinach might be contaminated, but failed to stop it from getting into the food supply.

Guns, Abortion and Political Realities Apr 20, 2007

Show notes

High-profile events of this week have put hot-button issues back on the nation's agenda, but action on one is much more likely than it is on the other. Have the Democrats given up on gun control? Will the Republicans shoot themselves in the foot by pushing too hard on abortion? Also, Democratic Senate Leader Harry Reid calls the war in Iraq "lost" and, on Reporter's Notebook, the case of Luis Posada, a 79-year old accused of terrorism by Cuba and Venezuela, and released on bail by a US Court of Appeals.

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