KCRW's To the Point

Barack Obama and Tough Love for Africa

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:08:49 EDT

Ghana is all dressed up for President Obama's first official visit to sub-Saharan Africa. Is the rest of the continent ready for tough love? Does international aid lead to dependence? Can it be structured to help countries help themselves? Also, GM emerges from bankruptcy, and rhesus monkeys and the fountain of youth.

With Unemployment at 9.5 Percent, Is the Stimulus Working?

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:25:08 EDT

The President's $800 billion stimulus package hasn't been fully rolled out yet, but the US economy is already almost 7 million jobs in the hole since the recession began. Who's able to find work and who's not? Is more stimulus money needed? How much worse is it going to be before it gets better? Also, another protest crushed in Tehran, and China's continuing problems with ethnic unrest.

At the G8 Summit: World Leaders Meet Low Expectations

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:29:20 EDT

At the G8 Summit in Italy, President Obama's being looked to for leadership on world finance and global warming. Is progress likely or is the G8 an anachronistic waste of time? Also, a cyberattack on US government websites, and Mexican voters have dealt a severe blow to President Felipe Caldéron.

Protests Continue in Iran, Could Civil War Be Next?

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:47:00 EDT

More than three weeks after Iran's disputed presidential election, the regime continues to crack down on dissenters, while pointing fingers at the West. Are Iran's rulers losing their hold on power? Should Obama step up criticism of the regime? Is civil war on the horizon? Also, the Michael Jackson memorial in Los Angeles, and trouble for Africa's first woman president as Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls for Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to be banned from office. Sara Terry guest hosts.

Measuring US-Russian Progress at Mending Fences

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EDT

President Obama and his Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev, announced today that they've made important steps in restoring relations between the two countries. They've already agreed to a cut in nuclear warheads, but can they find common ground on human rights and the missile defense field? What influence does former Russian President Vladimir Putin have on the negotiations? Also, the crisis continues in Honduras, and one of the Vietnam War's most controversial figures has died. A look at the life and legacy of Robert McNamara. Sara Terry guest hosts.

Hollywood, Smart Power and Public Diplomacy

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EDT

As they celebrate the Fourth of July, Americans don't see their country in the same way it's seen by the rest of the world. We talk about what's called "smart power" and the entertainment industry as an instrument of public diplomacy.

Human Rights, the Law and the Ongoing Threat of Terror

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:36:29 EDT

The transition from Bush to Obama has not eliminated the threat of terrorists who want to attack the country. Is Obama being forced to adopt some of the same counter-measures he criticized in last year's campaign? We hear about indefinite detention, rendition and what some refer to as "torture lite." Also, a new American military offensive in Afghanistan, and what Saddam Hussein told the FBI.

Will the Recession Force State Government Shutdowns?

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:10:46 EDT

Six states failed to pass spending plans last night in time for the new fiscal year, which started today. The biggest state in the union plans to pay its bills with IOU's. Others barely made the deadline by cutting services and raising taxes and fees. Are bloated expenditures being brought under control or are states balancing budgets on the backs of the poor? Also, Al Franken's win gives Senate Democrats a super-majority. On Reporter's Notebook later on, should the painkillers Vicodin and Percocet be banned?

Gay Rights and the Obama Administration

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:32:24 EDT

Gays and lesbians who supported Barack Obama are demanding action from the Obama White House. We hear how the President has addressed their growing impatience and what it could mean for "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the Defense of Marriage Act and other federal policies. Also, US troops pull out of Iraqi cities, and the ousted President of Honduras vows to go home.

The US Supreme Court and Reverse Discrimination

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:59:00 EDT

By a one-vote majority, the US Supreme Court has ruled in favor of white firefighters who claimed they were victims of reverse discrimination. Will the decision clarify the rules on race and employment or lead to future confusion? What will it mean for the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor? Also, Bernard Madoff is sentenced to 150 years in federal prison, and Latin America's first military coup in 16 years.

US Troop Withdrawal to Test Iraq's Stability

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EDT

The new wave of bombings continued today in Iraq. With US troops leaving cities and towns next Tuesday, is the country faced with sectarian civil war? Also, German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the White House, and the world mourns Michael Jackson.

Healthcare Reform: Competition and the 'Public Option'

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:16:09 EDT

The debate over healthcare reform is coming down to the wire at the White House, in Congress and in the media. We look at the pros and cons of the so-called "public option" and at the influence of ideology and money. Also, the Supreme Court rules strip search of student is unreasonable. On Reporter's Notebook, the missing governor, the mistress and the GOP.

President Obama and the Effort to Find Common Ground

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:38:17 EDT

It's reported today that -- before Iran's disputed election â the Obama Administration sent a letter to the Supreme Leader proposing âcooperation in regional and bilateral relations.â Today, we talk about the President's pattern of seeing âcommon groundâ with his adversaries. Also, more bloodshed on the streets of Tehran, and the Governor of South Carolina is no longer missing.

Obama Talks Tough on Iran; North Korea Vies for World's Attention

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:41:17 EDT

North Korea has escalated tensions with the US and the United Nations. We look at the provocations and possible options for the US and the UN. Also, at this morning's press conference, President strongly condemned the killing of election protesters in Iran. On Reporter's Notebook, what the President had to say about the economy and healthcare.

More Protests in the Streets of Iran

podmaster@kcrw.org (Warren Olney) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:00:52 EDT

This weekend's deadly violence may have reduced the size of demonstrations on the streets of Tehran, but significant numbers did turn out today to face tear gas and police batons. We hear the latest and assess international relations in the Middle East and the West, including the US. Also, US air strikes in Afghanistan will be restricted.