To the Point

Ashcroft Defends Anti-Terrorism Measures

With continued warnings of more terrorist acts to come, public opinion polls give President Bush wide latitude to investigate and prosecute suspects. Some civil libertarians agree, but others warn of police state tactics. Even some hard-line conservatives worry about military tribunals, unlimited detention, and other tough measures. Attorney General John Ashcroft has told the Senate that such criticism gives aid to terrorists by eroding national unity. We discuss the pros and cons of military tribunals and other counter-terrorist legal strategies with a former deputy attorney general, a former federal prosecutor, a constitutional law expert who testified this week before the Senate Judiciary Committee, and a civil libertarian. Newsmaker: Mullah Omar Will Surrender Kandahar - The Taliban reportedly have agreed to surrender their stronghold, the city of Kandahar. Hamid Karzai, the consensus choice to head Afghanistan's interim government, says Mullah Mohammad Omar has agreed to turn over weapons and ammunition as soon as tomorrow. Bradley Graham, pentagon correspondent for The Washington Post, has more on the terms of the surrender and the fate of Omar and Osama bin Laden. Reporter's Notebook: FBI Report Details Islamic Charity's Links with Hamas - Yesterday, the Bush administration froze the assets of the Holy Land Foundation, alleging that it provides financial support for Hamas and helps recruit Palestinian suicide bombers. David Firestone, national correspondent for The New York Times, provides details about the FBI's case against the Texas-based Islamic charity.