To the Point

Latest Episodes:

What Happens to Thanksgiving Overseas? Nov 23, 2006

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Americans leave the United States for different reasons, but on Thanksgiving Day it’s hard not to feel more American than ever... wherever you are. We talk with American ex-patriots and visitors in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Do they try to celebrate Thanksgiving--with or without turkeys? How do they compare their own country with the rest of the world? (This edition of To the Point will be pre-empted on KCRW by special holiday programming.)

YouTube Nation Nov 22, 2006

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The walk to the zoo that turned into a billion-dollar deal. How did YouTube become an overnight Internet success? Plus, the UN calls October a record-breaking deadly month for Iraqi citizens, and a window on life and death nearly a millennium ago. The spectacular discovery of pre-Incan tombs in Peru. Sara Terry guest hosts.

Pentagon May Recommend Troop Increases in Iraq Nov 21, 2006

Show notes

Re-assessing US strategies in Iraq. Is sending in more troops the answer? The White House, Pentagon and Iraq Study Group are all considering options, and are expected to make recommendations soon. Does the US have enough combat-ready soldiers to increase troop levels in Iraq? How have the elections affected the debate? What role does public opinion play? Plus, another assassination in Beirut, and remembering Robert Altman, a singular voice in American cinema, who passed away last night. Sara Terry guest hosts.

President Bush in Vietnam Nov 20, 2006

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President Bush went to the Asia-Pacific Summit to shore up America's influence in Asia. We hear about North Korea, China and America's complex relationship with its former Communist enemy, Vietnam. Will a Democratic Congress approve a free trade deal Republicans rejected? Plus, Iran invites Syria and Iraq to the bargaining table, and Russian spies, deadly poison, and tea in a London hotel--it’s not the new James Bond film, but a real-life drama unfolding in England. Sara Terry guest hosts.

Do the World's Forests Really Help Prevent Global Warming? Nov 17, 2006

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At least some of the world’s forests are coming back, and Planet Earth may not become a "skinhead" after all. But will more trees help prevent global warming? We hear about new controversy over the role of forests in climate change and the multi-billion dollar business of carbon trading. Plus, Iraq prepares itself for political turmoil as it issues an arrest warrant for a leading Sunni cleric, and France may get its first woman president.

Nancy Pelosi Wins One Battle and Loses Another Nov 16, 2006

Show notes

San Francisco's Nancy Pelosi will be House Speaker, but she won't have the man she wanted as Majority Leader. Will the Democrats be unified on the war in Iraq, ethics and their so-called "new direction?" Who will the Republicans choose to lead the new minority? Plus, President Bush is in Asia talking trade and terrorism, and the bid for leadership in a $30 billion video-game industry.

Wire Tapping and National Security Nov 15, 2006

Show notes

Britain's highest intelligence officer has gone public with details of extensive surveillance of terrorist plots. President Bush wants Congress to approve his program for wiretaps without warrants. How serious is the threat in this country? Do US agents need the freedom their British counterparts have? Will civil rights still be protected? Plus, America's top general in Iraq says more troops are needed in Baghdad, and one of the world’s most controversial news outlets will now be in English. We hear the latest on al-Jazeera.

Iraq's Brain-Drain; Latin America's Anti-Americanism Nov 14, 2006

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In Iraq, more evidence of growing disorder. Plus, Latin America, a low priority for the US since the Reagan Administration.

Iraq, Israel and the Change of Power on Capitol Hill Nov 13, 2006

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As Democrats advocate a phased withdrawal from Iraq, is it time for negotiations with Syria and Iran? As Prime Minister Olmert arrives at the White House, is there any chance of a weakened US commitment to Israel? Plus, as the new Congress meets the old, what are the prospects on Capitol Hill?

Global Warming Nov 10, 2006

Show notes

At a 180-nation climate change conference in Kenya, the US is accused of stalling progress to curb climate change. Will the new Democratic majorities try to change American policy? Will it matter if China and India don't go along? Plus, key senators dismiss new Bush bid for UN Ambassador Bolton, and Earl Warren, the bipartisan politician who unified the US Supreme Court.

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