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Iran Reponds to UN Demands Aug 22, 2006

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Iran wants to resume talks about its nuclear program, but nobody thinks it will stop enriching uranium that could provide fuel for an atom bomb.

The Politics of Peacekeeping Aug 21, 2006

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Europe is dragging its feet on troop deployment in southern Lebanon, and Israel is accused of violating the ceasefire. Can the rules of engagement be clarified in time to prevent the agreement from falling apart?

Should the President Negotiate with His Enemies? Aug 18, 2006

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Next week, Iran says it will reply to European and American offers of economic and technological assistance in exchange for halting progress toward building a nuclear bomb. In an open letter, 21 former military officials, diplomats and Pentagon civilians have urged President Bush to resolve the crisis "through diplomacy, not military action," warning of "disastrous consequences" that will damage America's interests. The President has insisted that the military option remain on the table, saying that negotiating with "evil" regimes just rewards bad behavior. Will America be more secure by relying on force--and the threat of force--or negotiating with adversaries? In addition to Iran, what about Syria, Hamas, Hezbollah and North Korea? Making News: Ford Will Cut Production to Speed RestructuringAfter meeting with economic advisors today at Camp David, President Bush pronounced the economy "solid and strong," with growth at 4% and unemployment at 4.8%. Despite his optimism, the Ford Motor Company says it will close plants to cut production by 21%. Jeffrey McCracken, who covers the automotive industry for the Wall Street Journal, assesses the ripple effect of Ford's restructuring on consumers and industry.Reporter's Notebook: US Hopes to Rival Hezbollah with Rebuilding EffortThe Lebanese Army has moved into the southern part of the country, all the way to the Israeli border. Meantime, President Bush has promised to help repair the damage done by Israel in the past month, saying that Hezbollah will be the ultimate loser in southern Lebanon. Can the US rebuild its image by rebuilding Lebanon? Jon Alterman, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs during Bush's first term, is at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

After Southern Lebanon, What about the Palestinians? Aug 17, 2006

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The Lebanese army is deploying equipment and soldiers south of the Litani River, but France may be backing away from its promise to lead a peacekeeping force.

The London Airline Plot and the War on Terror Aug 16, 2006

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British officials are still trying to unravel the plot to blow up airliners headed to the US. Did political pressure force arrests before intelligence agents were ready? Where does Pakistan really stand? Are spies more important than soldiers in the "war on terror?"

How Long Can the Cease-fire in Lebanon Last? Aug 14, 2006

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It’s been less than a day, but the cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah seems to be holding. Also, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez visits an ailing Fidel Castro.

War in the Middle East and Terror in the Air Aug 11, 2006

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More on the plot to blow up US-bound airlines, an update on the Middle East and the real story in Castro's Cuba.

Scotland Yard Disrupts Trans-Atlantic Terror Plot Aug 10, 2006

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Police in Britain say they've uncovered a conspiracy to set off "multiple explosions in multiple planes" headed to US airports. Security measures are in effect all over America. We have details and learn what travelers can expect at the height of vacation season. Plus, efforts to save New Orleans criminal justice system, which was left in shambles after last year's hurricane.

What Do Yesterday's Primary Results Mean for the Future? Aug 09, 2006

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A look at election returns in Connecticut and other states. Also, an update on the ongoing violence in the Middle East and its environmental impact.

In Mid-East Fighting, What's News? What's Propaganda? Aug 08, 2006

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While Israel and Hezbollah make real war on each other, they're also fighting a virtual war of ideas and images. We hear about propaganda on both sides and ask how the mainstream media figure out what's true and what's false.

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