Russia, Iran and Missile Defense in Europe
Host:
Produced by:
Subscribe to this Podcast:
Listen to/Watch entire show:
Vladimir Putin calls it "right and brave." John McCain says it is "seriously misguided." President Obama's decision not to locate a missile shield in Eastern Europe. What are the military consequences? What about Iran? Is it time for a "new beginning" for relations with Russia? Also, The soft sell of First Lady Michelle Obama, and Congress has de-funded ACORN. Are the videotapes all that they seem?
Making News
The Soft Sell of First Lady Michelle Obama ()
One of America's most popular women gave her public support to healthcare reform today. First Lady Michelle Obama spoke about gender discrimination, offering a low-key, soft-spoken message in marked contrast to her husband's full-throated appeals. Nia-Malika Henderson covers the First Lady for Politico.
Guests:
- Nia-Malika Henderson: White House Reporter, Politico.com
Main Topic
Obama Reverses Policy on Missile Shield ()
NATO, the US and Russia should abandon "mistrust" and coordinate their efforts against international ballistic missiles. That's from NATO's new secretary general, just one day after President Obama pulled the plug on George Bush's plan for missile defense in Eastern Europe. Based on the latest intelligence about Iran's ballistic missile technology, the US will rely on missiles already deployed by the Navy on ships at sea. Defense Secretary Robert Gates and the Joint Chiefs of Staff are unanimously in support. Russia's Vladimir Putin called that "a right and brave decision," but it's produced heated controversy in the Czech Republic and Poland, not to mention Washington, DC. We hear about technology, national security and international politics.
Guests:
- Edward Lucas: Central and Eastern Europe correspondent, Economist
- Robert Gard, Jr: Chairman, Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation
- Jamie Fly: Executive Director, Foreign Policy Initiative, @jamiemfly
- Stephen F. Cohen: Professor of Russian Studies, New York University
Links:
- Foreign Policy Initiative's 'overnight round-up' on missile defense
- Gard on Obama's 'revamped European missile defense'
- Economist on Obama's missile defense proposal
- Lucas' 'The New Cold War: Putin's Russia and the Threat to the West'
- Cohen's 'Soviet Fates and Lost Alternatives: From Stalinism to the New Cold War'
Reporter's Notebook
The Story behind the Acorn Videos ()
Conservative Republicans scored a political victory this week when Congress voted to defund ACORN, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now. Last year, the activist group that works with poor blacks and Hispanics was accused of voter fraud. Now it's been hit with a sting operation, for attempting to buy homes to run as houses of prostitution. On videotapes running on Fox News, YouTube and other Internet sites, ACORN workers appear to be counseling them in a helpful way. Carol Leonnig reports for the Washington Post.
Guests:
- Carol Leonnig: National Reporter, Washington Post
Engage & Discuss
Further the conversation with your thoughts and comments. Agree, disagree, present a different perspective -- engage.
For information and guidelines click: Terms of Service | Privacy Policy
Please note, comments are moderated. KCRW reserves the right to edit and or remove posts deemed off-topic, abusive or not in accordance with KCRW's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
