The CIA in Afghanistan; Same-sex Marriage in the US
Host:
Produced by:
Subscribe to this Podcast:
Listen to/Watch entire show:
Is same-sex marriage a right whose time has come—even though Proposition 8 made it illegal in California? Could next week's challenge in federal court backfire even if it succeeds—because of the risk of reversal by conservatives on the highest court in the land? On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, when a double agent turned into a suicide bomber, seven US intelligence agents were killed in Afghanistan. How much expertise did the CIA lose? What does the incident say about the abilities of al Qaeda and the quality of US intelligence?
Banner image: : Richard Yoder (R) and William Rackin (L) exchange vows during their wedding ceremony October 15, 2008 at City Hall in San Francisco, California. Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Main Topic
A Double Agent, the CIA and al Qaeda ()
A Jordanian doctor with a record as an Islamic extremist promised valuable information on Osama bin Laden’s top aide, Ayman al-Zawahri. Seven top CIA agents, including experts on al Qaeda, flew to meet with him in Afghanistan, but failed to conduct a rudimentary search, and lost their lives when he detonated explosives he wore on his body.
Guests:
- Greg Miller: National Security Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, @gregpmiller
- Michael Scheuer: former Chief, CIA's Bin Laden Unit
- Brian Fishman: former Director of Research, West Point's Combating Terrorism Center, @brianfishman
- Joshua Landis: Professor of History, University of Oklahoma
Links:
- Los Angeles Times report on US learning about airline attacker while plane en route
- National Defense Education Act
- Miller's article on increasing confusion over how bomber infiltrated CIA base
- Miller's 'The Interrogators: Inside the Secret War against al Qaeda'
- Scheuer's 'Marching Toward Hell: America and Islam after Iraq'
Main Topic
Proposition 8 Goes to Federal Court ()
In 2008, the State Supreme Court revoked a law declaring same-sex marriage illegal in California. Months later, the voters passed Proposition 8, overturning the court decision. In the meantime, 15,000 same sex couples were married. Next Monday in San Francisco, Prop 8 will be challenged as a violation of rights protected by the constitution of the United States.
Guests:
- Andrew Koppelman: Professor of Law, Northwestern University
- Ted Olson: Appellate attorney, challenging Proposition 8
- Andrew Pugno: General Counsel, Yes on Proposition 8
Links:
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.
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
