Iraq, Iran and America's Credibility

Making News

Hamas Cabinet Resigns to Join with Fatah ()

Hamas' Ismail Haniyeh resigned today as Prime Minister of the ruling party in the Palestinian Territories to make way for a "unity government" with the Fatah faction of Mahmoud Abbas. Both sides hope for an end to infighting and the lifting of international sanctions.  Kevin Peraino is Jerusalem Bureau Chief for Newsweek magazine.

Guests:

• Kevin Peraino: Jerusalem Bureau Chief, Newsweek

Main Topic

Iraq, Iran and America's Credibility ()

Today's Washington Post reminds readers of how the "Vietnam syndrome" dogged a generation of US Presidents. Now, it reports an "Iraq syndrome" is dogging President Bush.  Despite denial of any plan to invade Iraq, the administration invaded anyway, based on evidence that turned out to be false. Yesterday, he was compelled to deny speculation that he's planning for war on Iran. Two carrier task forces are threatening Iran and there's confusion about evidence that Iranian weapons are being used against US troops in Iraq.  Even Republicans are skeptical about the Administration's current intentions. Allies in Europe are openly worried. What will it take to restore America's credibility?

Guests:

• Craig Unger: Staff writer for Vanity Fair
• John Hulsman: Co-Author of Ethical Realism
• Rosemary Hollis: Director of Research at Chatham House
• Abbas Milani-good: Co-Director, Hoover Institution'sIran Democracy Project

Links:

• Washington Post article on "Vietman Syndrome," "Iraq Syndrome"
• President Bush on intentions in Iran
• Unger's article on similarities between Bush's plans for Iraq, Iran
• Milani's testimony on Iran before House Foreign Affairs Committee
• Israeli policy paper, "A Clean Break"

Reporter's Notebook

UNICEF Calls US among Worst in Child Well-being Overview ()

When it comes to the well being of children, the US and Britain rank last -- behind Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic. UNICEF, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund compared the well being of children in 21 industrialized countries. The Netherlands came out on top, followed by other European countries with strong welfare systems.  The US and Britain were 20^th and 21^st.  One of the authors of the report is Jonathan Bradshaw, Professor of Social Policy at England's York University.

Guests:

• Jonathan Bradshaw: Professor of Social Policy at York University

Links:

• Times of London article on UN report