Security in the Skies and Politics in Washington
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Yemen is now being described as a hotbed of terrorists, as debate continues over the near-bombing of a US airliner on Christmas Day. We update the latest security measures and the political infighting. Also embassy doors shut in Yemen, in response to terror threats, and one of the prime stars of the NBA admits he had a gun in the locker room.
Banner image: Yemenis walk through a market in the capital city of Sanaa . Photo: Khaled Fazaa/AFP/Getty Images
Making News
Military Clashes and Embassy Closures in Yemen ()
France, Germany and Japan today joined the US and Britain, closing their embassies in Sanaa, the capital city of Yemen. The Yemeni government says terrorist threats are "exaggerated," and that its forces have killed and wounded suspected members of al Qaeda. Steve Erlanger is in Sanaa for the New York Times.
Guests:
- Steven Erlanger: Correspondent, New York Times, @StevenErlanger
Main Topic
Security in the Skies and Politics in Washington ()
President Obama now says the man who tried to bring down a US airplane on Christmas day was "trained, equipped and directed" by al Qaeda in Yemen. Several embassies there have been shut down, and new restrictions are now in effect for citizens of Yemen and 13 other countries who are flying to the US. The Administration says there was no "smoking gun" that could have prevented the would-be bomber from boarding the plane, but criticism continues. We hear about new measures to protect travelers as the Obama Administration responds to charges that it's weak on security.
Guests:
- Gail Russell Chaddock: Congressional Reporter, Christian Science Monitor
- Paul Pillar: former CIA National Intelligence Officer
- Jennifer Rubin: Contributing Editor, Commentary magazine, @JRubinBlogger
- Spencer Ackerman: Senior Reporter, Washington Independent
Links:
- Deputy National Security Adviser John Brennan on 'This Week with George Stephanopoulos'
- National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC)
- 9-11 Commission
- Newsweek article on multiple intelligence briefings on terror threats
- Brennan on protecting against terrorism, violent extremism (CSIS, August, 09)
- Brennan, Chertoff and Hayden on 'Meet the Press'
- Senate committee hearing on stopping terrorist travel (December 9, 2009)
- Obama's speech in Cairo (June 4, 2009)
Reporter's Notebook
Arenas Incident Shines Spotlight on Guns in the NBA ()
Gilbert Arenas of the Washington Wizards is a star player and a quirky personality in professional basketball. Now he admits he brought a gun into the team locker room. Federal prosecutors have convened a grand jury to review the incident, which might have involved in a confrontation with fellow teammate Javaris Crittenton. Jeff Benedict, author of Out of Bounds: Inside the NBA's Culture of Rape, Violence and Crime, discusses what else might have happened and what it means for the image of the NBA.
Guests:
- Jeff Benedict: author, 'Out of Bounds'
Links:
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