Splitting the Difference on Nuclear Weapons

Making News

GM Lost $4.3 Billion Following Bankruptcy ()

General Motors has issued its first earnings report since it emerged from bankruptcy with the help of American taxpayers. It had a positive cash flow of $1 billion, but the bottom line shows a lost of $4.3 billion. Tim Higgins reports on business for the Detroit Free Press.

Guests:

• Tim Higgins: Business writer for the Detroit Free Press

Main Topic

Splitting the Difference on Nuclear Weapons ()

What threats justify maintaining a nuclear arsenal? When, if ever, could such weapons be used? Those and other questions get some new answers in the Obama Administration's Nuclear Posture Review, reviving arguments that go back to World War II. Now that the Soviet Union is ancient history, the focus is on North Korea, Iran, proliferation and terror. What's the best way to deal with those challenges, reduce the chance of a confrontation and keep America as safe as possible? We hear from journalists, nuclear experts, military analysts and former Pentagon officials.

Guests:

• David Sanger: Washington Correspondent, New York Times, @SangerNYT
• Jonathan Schell: Fellow, The Nation Institute
• Dan Goure: former Director, Pentagon's Office of Strategic Competitiveness
• William Hartung: Director, New America Foundation's Arms and Security Initiative

Links:

• Nation Institute's 'World without Nuclear Weapons: Obama's Vision, Our Mission' (April 8, New York)
• Sanger's article on Obama's nuclear strategy
• Sanger's 'The Inheritance: The World Obama Confronts and the Challenges to American Power'
• Schell's 'The Seventh Decade: The New Shape of Nuclear Danger'

Reporter's Notebook

The Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster ()

Twenty-five people are dead and four others are missing in America's worst coal mining disaster in 25 years. As miners' families struggle with their tragedies, state and federal officials promise investigations. Kevin Stricklin, who runs the US Mine Safety and Health Administration says, “We know the mine wasn't operating safely or we wouldn't have had an explosion.” Hoppy Kercheval, host West Virginia MetroNews' Talkline, has more on local attitudes toward the Upper Big Branch Mine and the Massey Energy Company.

Guests:

• Hoppy Kercheval: host, MetroNews' 'Talkline'

Links:

• Massey Energy on rescue efforts at the mine
• Massey CEO Blankenship on CNN