Troop Withdrawal and Campaign Promises
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Reports of decreasing violence in Iraq are having repercussions on the presidential campaign. Barack Obama says he'll revise his troop-withdrawal strategy to meet existing conditions. Is that a flip-flop? Does less violence mean that John McCain is right to insist that troops stay until "victory" has been achieved? Also, today's suicide bombing outside the Indian embassy in Kabul. On Reporter's Notebook, does America's trial process keep some of the best US athletes out of the Olympic Games?
Making News
Bomb Kills Dozens in Kabul ()
In Kabul, Afghanistan today a suicide car bomb has killed at least 41 people and seriously injured many more. It took place outside the Indian embassy. Martin Patience is there for the BBC.
Guests:
- Martin Patience: Reporter, BBC
Main Topic
Troop Withdrawal and Campaign Promises ()
John McCain's been consistent in claiming he won't draw down troops in Iraq until "victory" is guaranteed, whenever that might happen. Barack Obama says he's been consistent too, but Republicans claim it's a flip-flop when he says his sixteen-month timeline depends on Iraqi stability. With reports that violence is decreasing, is Obama revising his plan? Was McCain right about the surge? Is Iraq's Shiite-dominated government making peace with Sunni insurgents, or could violence resume and upset the strategies of both candidates?
Guests:
- George Packer: Staff Writer, The New Yorker
- Joe Conason: Contributor, New York Observer and Salon
- Ned Parker: Baghdad Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, @nedparkerlat
- Juan Cole: Professor of Modern Middle Eastern History, University of Michigan
Links:
Reporter's Notebook
Are US Rules Keeping Top Athletes out of the Olympic Games? ()
American sprinter Tyson Gay fell this weekend during the Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon. He had qualified earlier for the 100-meter dash, but the fall means he won't run in the 200, despite his being the world champion. Gay's problem isn't new. Other top US athletes have failed in Olympic trials in past years. This latest episode has revived the debate about whether the US should change its rules. Alan Abrahamson is sports writer for NBCSports.com.
Guests:
- Alan Abrahamson: Staff Writer, NBCSports.com, @alanabrahamson
Links:
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