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The Crisis Is Over: Who Won and Who Lost? Apr 05, 2007

Show notes

The marines and sailors are back home in England as the rest of the world measures the winners and losers. The crisis is personified by Tony Blair and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. We'll hear how perceptions differ from the Middle East to the Western world. Also, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's "clarification" on yesterday's peace offering and, on Reporter's Notebook, between both parties, the presidential campaigns may top a billion dollars by November of next year. Beyond the money, what will it take to win?

British Marines and Sailors Are on Their Way Home Apr 04, 2007

Show notes

Iran today abruptly announced the release of 14 men and one woman captured in disputed waters a week and a half ago. Britain did not concede they trespassed on Iranian waters. Tony Blair said the release was accomplished without confrontation--or negotiation. Was there a deal or did Iran provide a surprise "gift" to the British people, as its president claimed? Was the US involved in a swap for Iranians held in Iraq? Also, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi conducts international diplomacy in Syria. Is she undermining President Bush or is it time for a breakthrough?

Bush Threatens to Veto Iraq Spending Bill; Viacom Sues YouTube Apr 03, 2007

Show notes

Congress may be away for spring recess, but conflict with President Bush is on the rise. Troop-withdrawal deadlines from Capitol Hill meet veto threats from the White House. It’s a showdown over funding troops in Iraq. Also today, Viacom sues YouTube for a billion dollars. Can innovation be protected as the law tries to catch up with technological change?

The ERA Returns as the Women's Equality Amendment Apr 02, 2007

Show notes

The Equal Rights Amendment for women is back under a new name: the Women's Equality Amendment. But some natural supporters are more fatigued than excited. Would changing the Constitution have unintended consequences? We hear about better salaries, benefits and work-place environments along with the right to same-sex marriage and the possible loss of existing protections. Also, the Supreme Court has bad news for President Bush and good news for California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. On Reporter's Notebook, presidential candidates from both parties set records for raising money.

Escalation in Iran Mar 30, 2007

Show notes

Iran continues to hold British marines and sailors as the US and Iranian navies hold maneuvers in the Persian Gulf. As the crisis escalates, what are the prospects for resolution or escalation? What's the history of Anglo-American relations with an oil-rich Middle Eastern country? Also, David Hicks, the so-called Australian Taliban, is sentenced to seven years imprisonment and, on Reporter's Notebook, French presidential candidates go on the Internet for a 'Second Life.'

Gonzales and the Justice Department Back in the Hot Seat Mar 29, 2007

Show notes

Alberto Gonzales' former top aide says the Attorney General was "not accurate" when he testified before Congress. He also said the White House was deeply involved in firing eight US attorneys. We hear more on Kyle Sampson's testimony and politics in the administration of justice. Also, the Senate hands the President a deadline for getting out of Iraq and, on Reporter's Notebook, Iran suspends release of the woman among 15 British captives.

Diplomacy and Promises of Democracy in the Middle East Mar 28, 2007

Show notes

At the Arab Summit, Saudi Arabia has taken the lead from Egypt in the effort to make peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Meantime, two participants at the meeting--Egypt's President Mubarak and Musharraf of Pakistan--are accused of reneging on promises of democracy. Is the US supporting repressive leaders to pursue its own interests? How great is the threat of extremist takeover in either Egypt or Pakistan? Also, a captured sailor tells Iranian TV that her British boat was trespassing on that country's water and, on Reporter's Notebook, another showdown is shaping up between President Bush and the Congress.

A Surprise Guilty Plea at Guantanamo Bay Mar 27, 2007

Show notes

There's been a guilty plea in the first case under new rules for military commissions at Guantánamo Bay. Was it a kangaroo court or a fair hearing that will help legitimize US treatment of suspects in the war on terror? What about the future of Guantánamo Bay? Also, the US Navy has begun its largest demonstration of force in the Gulf since the Iraq invasion and, on Reporter's Notebook, an aide to Virginia's Democratic Senator Jim Webb charged with bringing a loaded gun into a Senate office building.

All Eyes on Congress as House Votes on War Funding Bill Mar 23, 2007

Show notes

The House has passed a bill funding troops in Iraq with a binding pull-out deadline of August 31 of next year. Is it political posturing or something more? Would a pull-out be a logistical nightmare? Will the Army run out of troops in the meantime? On Reporter's Notebook, British sailors captured in the Persian Gulf at gunpoint by Iran.

The Changing Face of Presidential Politics Mar 22, 2007

Show notes

Conservatives are suspicious of John McCain and evangelicals have problems with Mitt Romney's Mormon religion. Rudi Giuliani leads Republican polls. Has the base of the party softened on social issues, or is that a temporary phenomenon? Plus, Democrat John Edwards says he'll continue his presidential campaign despite his wife's continuing battle with cancer and, on Reporter's Notebook, we talk with New Mexico's Democratic Governor Bill Richardson about his race for presidency.

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