Predator Drones Extending Their Reach into Pakistan
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Predator drones have become the US weapon of choice in the war against the Taliban in Afghanistan. Now the Obama Administration will explore expanding their use in Pakistan. On the rebroadcast of today's To the Point, guest host Conan Nolan considers the advancing use of such drones, overseas and here at home. Also, Iran tests and upgraded, faster missile, and objects that crisscross the celestial sky with little light, but great importance.
Banner image: US Air Force photo of the "Hellfire Predator"
Making News
Iran Tests Upgraded, Faster Missile ()
The Iranian government has launched missiles before, but the surface-to-surface two-stage missile launched today is more accurate and with greater capabilities, including that of reaching into the Israeli city of Tel Aviv. Despite Tehran's assertion that it's all about military defense, the rest of the world has its doubts. Michael Slackman is Cairo Bureau Chief for the New York Times.
Guests:
- Michael Slackman: Cairo Bureau Chief, New York Times
Main Topic
Predator Drones: Fighting the Covert War in Pakistan ()
Emblematic of modern warfare, predator drones have become the weapon of choice in America's war in Afghanistan. Initially used for reconnaissance, for years the airborne robots have been armed with Hellfire missiles. Reportedly very effective in the fight against al Qaeda and the Taliban, the Obama Administration is debating a plan that would extend drone strikes into the Pakistani city of Quetta. But could urban use of this weapon end up costing innocent lives, driving a wedge between Washington and Islamabad? Will their use be expanded to the US border for surveillance purposes?
Guests:
- Julian Barnes: Pentagon Reporter, Los Angeles Times, @julianbarnes
- Roger Cressey: former Director for Counterterrorism, National Security Council
- Hina Shamsi: Senior Advisor, NYU School of Law's Project on Extrajudicial Executions, @hinashamsi
- Peter Singer: National Security Fellow, Brookings Institution, @peterwsinger
Links:
Reporter's Notebook
Infrared Telescopes Look Further into the Universe ()
The bright orange object seen earlier this week in the early-morning sky was NASA's latest effort to unlock the mysteries of the universe. The mission comes just as the European Space Agency released stunning new photographs that capture the birth of stars. NASA's infrared telescope is designed to illuminate objects with little light, but great importance. Amy Mainzer is Project Manager for the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
Guests:
- Amy Mainzer: Deputy Project Scientist, JPL’s Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer
Underwriters
Which Way L.A.? is made possible in part by the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, the Nathan Cummings Foundation, and the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation, which supports study and research into policy issues of the Los Angeles region.
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