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A New Cold War? A New Arms Race?

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After months of angry accusations, the US and Russia have agreed to "tone down" their public rhetoric and focus on "concrete issues."  We hear about Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's visit to Moscow, US missile defense in Eastern Europe, independence for Kosovo, the state of Russian democracy and both sides' charges of "imperialist ambitions."  Also, Jerry Falwell dead at 73 and, on Reporter's Notebook, Israeli Prime Minister Olmert says he's ready to talk with 22 Arab nations-without preconditions.  Will in-fighting among Palestinians get in the way?  

Photo Credit: Maxim Marmur/AFP/Getty Images

Making News

TV Evangelist Jerry Falwell Dead at 73 ()

Television evangelist Jerry Falwell died today at the age of 73. One of the major founders of the Moral Majority, Reverend Falwell was an admired visionary for the Religions Right who was also condemned by liberals, including fellow Christians Jimmy Carter and Billy Graham. Dan Gilgoff is Senior Editor of US News & World Report.

Guests:
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Main Topic

Can the US and Russia 'Just Get Along?' ()

Condoleezza Rice has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of squelching democracy.  Putin's accused the US of behaving like Germany's Third Reich during World War II.  Today, hard on the heels of Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has gone to Moscow. After initial talks with Putin, Russia's Foreign Minister said they've agreed to "tone down" the public rhetoric and focus on "concrete issues."  We look at the roller-coaster relationship between the superpower and a resurgent Russia overflowing with oil money. Will a US anti-missile system in Eastern Europe threaten Russia's security?  Is Russia reverting to the days of the Cold War or just getting stronger?

Guests:
  • Fred Weir: Correspondent for the Christian Science Monitor
  • Andrey Kortunov: President of the New Eurasia Foundation in Moscow
  • Edward Lozansky: Founder and President of American University in Moscow
  • David Satter: Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution
  • Daryl Kimball: Executive Director of the Arms Control Association
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Reporter's Notebook

Israeli Prime Minister Ready to Talk Peace ()

Today, while Hamas and Fatah are shooting at one another in Gaza, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is in Jordan, where he's invited 22 Arab leaders to convene with Israel -- without prior conditions -- on the latest Saudi Arabian peace plan. Is it a breakthrough?  Defense and foreign policy editor Jonathan Broderis author of Congressional Quarterly's latest cover story on Israel's left, right and center.

 

Guests:
  • Jonathan Broder: Defense and Foreign Policy Editor, Congressional Quarterly
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