To the Point

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In the Midst of an Unpopular War, Calls for Accountability Dec 07, 2006

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House Democrats say presidential impeachment is "off the table," but rallies this weekend will try to build grassroots momentum. At the same time, civil rights lawyers want Donald Rumsfeld tried for war crimes in Germany. An American General says she’ll be a witness against him. Would a wartime impeachment weaken America and damage the Democrats' chances in 2008? Does a foreign court have the right to prosecute US officials? Then, a rescue in Oregon and cell phone technology.

The Iraq Study Group Puts the President's Feet to the Fire Dec 06, 2006

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The Iraq Study Group says Iraq is in danger of "chaos," "anarchy" and "collapse." It proposes dramatic changes that may be difficult for President Bush to accept. We hear the early White House response and debate the recommendations. Then, by banning trans fats in restaurants, will New York City change the way America eats?

Robert Gates Promises 'Fresh Eyes' at the Pentagon Dec 05, 2006

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Donald Rumsfeld's proposed replacement has told a Senate committee that America is not winning the war in Iraq. We hear more about former CIA Director Robert Gates, his controversial career and his possible role in America's military future. Plus, strained relations between Britain and Russia over the radioactive poisoning of a former Russian spy, and with their work over, leaders of the Iraq Study Group have sat for pictures in Men's Vogue magazine. We get an update on tomorrow's much-awaited report.

A 'Lack'-of-Progress Report on New Orleans Dec 04, 2006

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With New Orleans less than half as big as it was before Katrina, FEMA is trying to cut rent subsidies that could help more people return. The Army Corps of Engineers is dragging its feet on projects that could guarantee a safer city. Is the federal government abandoning a major American city? Are black people the big losers? Plus,John Bolton, US Ambassador to the UN, resigns as President Bush meets with a powerful Shiite leader who urges the US to remain in Iraq, and the US Supreme Court and public school integration.

The New Atheists Dec 01, 2006

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Is the renewed influence of religion in public life a threat to reason and science? That's the conviction of some nonbelievers aggressively advocating Atheism. We hear the latest version of an ancient argument in the US, where Atheists have less credibility than anyone else. Plus, Mexico swears in its new President amidst a slug-fest, and a conversation about Hugo Chavez. Dictator out of control or secular saint?

After the Bush-Maliki Iraq Summit, Is Anyone in Control? Nov 30, 2006

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After the summit in Jordan, President Bush appears to reject James Baker's Iraq Study Group even before its recommendations get to the White House. Prime Minister al-Maliki may be losing control of his government. Who's running Iraq? What should the US do? Plus, traces of radiation discovered in a dozen sites during the investigation into the death of the late Russian spy, Alexander Litvinenko, and does immigration cause violence and crime, or make cities safer?

President Bush Heads to Jordan for Crisis Summit Nov 29, 2006

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President Bush is in Jordan for talks with Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who's been jolted by new challenges to his leadership and his diplomatic credibility. Does al-Maliki have the power to control his own country? Would more American troops make a difference? We look at the withdrawal of crucial support for al-Maliki's government and the options available for new American policies. Plus, how explosive-sniffing honeybees might help in war and homeland security.

Pope Benedict XVI, Mending Fences in Turkey Nov 28, 2006

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After angering Turks--and Muslims all over the world--Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Turkey today with a message of reconciliation. Can he reassure Turks about membership in the European Union? Can he help resolve growing tensions between Christianity and Islam? Plus, President Bush previews his meeting with Iraq's prime minister and in Florida, shades of the 2000 election--without hanging chads. Did 18,000 electronic votes go uncounted in a race for Congress?

Violence and Diplomacy in the Middle East Nov 27, 2006

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President Bush and Vice President Cheney are just two of the world leaders engaged in a week of crisis diplomacy in the Middle East. Will Iraq’s sectarian violence disrupt the entire region? Can the US get help from its Middle Eastern allies? What about Iran? Plus, Britain's announced troop withdrawal from Iraq, and an update on the investigation into the Polonium 210 that killed a former Russian spy, radioactive poison that's been found in several locations in London.

America's National Parks under Pressure Nov 24, 2006

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Congressional investigators say the national parks are short of money. On this archived edition of To the Point, what will travelers find--or not find--at Acadia, Yellowstone or Bryce Canyon? Are "energy" corridors to bring gas and electricity to the Southwest a threat to protection of public lands? Plus, a new "webisode" of Star Trek: the New Voyages. We hear about Dr. Sulu's labor of love. (This edition of To the Point will be pre-empted on KCRW by special holiday programming.)

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