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Politics and the Economy in the Mid-Term Elections Oct 12, 2006

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The gap between the rich and the middle class is growing fast, but President Bush says the economy will help Republicans in next month's elections. Will healthcare costs and gasoline prices make a difference? Do voters resent the wealthy--or want to be like them? Plus, the US grows impatient over the UN debate over sanctions against North Korea, and an American citizen from Orange County, California-turned-spokesman for al-Qaeda is indicted for treason.

The Future of Non-Proliferation Oct 11, 2006

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North Korea has defied the UN Security Council and tested a nuclear weapon. Iran may not be far behind. What’s happened to the nuclear non-proliferation regime? Is it still possible to stop the spread of the atom bomb? Also, calculating the civilian death toll from the war in Iraq.

Assessing North Korea and Saving Face in Iraq Oct 10, 2006

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Despite doubts that North Korea really tested a nuclear weapon, even China says it ought to be "punished" just for trying. We hear from the UN, see how North Korea's test compares to those of other nations and ask about failures of diplomacy. Also, are "stay the course" and "cut and run" the only alternatives in Iraq, and the death of a journalist shines a spotlight on Moscow's war in Chechnya.

Korean Nominated as Secretary General, Defiant DPRK Conducts Nuclear Test Oct 09, 2006

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The UN makes its first moves to nominate South Korea's Ban Ki-moon as its new Secretary General, a significant choice in terms of his possible diplomatic influence with North Korea. Meantime, the global community reacts to North Korea's claims to have conducted its first nuclear test. Diana Nyad guest hosts.

School Shootings Prompt Call for Gun Control Oct 06, 2006

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There've been three deadly school shootings in less than two weeks, but the only call for gun control fell flat on its face. Despite polls showing public support, is gun control politically dead? When it comes to protecting children, what should the top priorities be? Also, the UN urges North Korea not to test nuclear weapons, and two American astronomers win the Nobel Prize for their work confirming the birth of the universe. Diana Nyad guest hosts.

NATO Takes Over in Afghanistan to Face a Resurgent Taliban Oct 05, 2006

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As NATO takes over military operations in Afghanistan, experts warn there are not enough troops to stop the Taliban from making a comeback. What's happened since US forces routed the Taliban 5 years ago? We hear about drug money, the failure of reconstruction and Pakistan. Also, Assembly Speaker Dennis Hastert stands his ground on the Mark Foley scandal, and developing computers to monitor newspapers in search of threats against the United States.

Can GOP Contain Latest Scandal, Retain Congressional Control? Oct 04, 2006

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Mark Foley's now infamous e-mails to teen-age boys have rocked Republican leaders in Congress. What did they know and when did they know it? What will the scandal mean for control of the Congress? Plus, another landmark death-toll in Iraq, and school shootings and gun control in Pennsylvania.

New Legislation Suspends Habeas Corpus for Terror Detainees Oct 03, 2006

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When George Bush signs the Military Commissions Act, will the US President have the "privilege of kings?" Conservative scholars are among those saying the new law will violate the Constitution and overturn legal principles that date to the Middle Ages. We hear both sides. Plus, US response to North Korea's announcement of its first nuclear weapon's test, and the latest on the September 11 blame-game between the CIA and the White House.

The Changing Nature of Modern Warfare Oct 02, 2006

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The US military made short work of Saddam Hussein’s army, but America's mission in Iraq has yet to be accomplished. Plus, Congressman Mark Foley's relations with teenage pages: the political fallout of another Congressional scandal.

IRS Challenges Churches that Preach Politics Sep 29, 2006

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The Internal Revenue Service has warned churches that political involvement can cost them their tax exemptions. How much involvement is too much? Is the IRS playing politics, too? Why do we have a religious tax exemption? Plus, the House Government Reform Committee issues its report on the Abramoff-White House connection, and uncertainty over whether President Lula da Silva can beat another political scandal in Brazil.

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