Terrorism, Politics and Justice in Pakistan and Afghanistan

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Pakistan has been arresting al Qaeda suspects in the war on terror, but it-s no closer to Osama bin Laden. Today-s Los Angeles Times says, that-s despite the FBI-s -crucial role- in helping intercept cell phone calls and provide other assistance. The story repeats what the US has previously denied, that the Bush administration wants Osama before the November election. As low level suspects are being rounded up, why is Osama so illusive? Meanwhile, in Afghanistan, the trial of three Americans accused of torture and hostage-taking has resumed. The main defendant is Jonathan Idema, who has told reporters his mission was approved by the Pentagon, a charge the Defense Department denies. Warren Olney updates both stories with reporters, experts in foreign policy, and a former official of the National Security Council. Making News: Politics and President Bush-s Plan to Realign Troops Speaking to the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Cincinnati today, President Bush said he wants to re-deploy American soldiers around the world and bring many home from Japan and Europe. Within minutes, a top foreign policy aide to Senator John Kerry said the re-deployment won-t save money or help military families. Watching and reporting on the rapid-fire exchange is Ron Brownstein of the Los Angeles Times. Reporter's Notebook: Iraq's National Congress Takes Action on Najaf, al-Sadr Iraq-s National Conference is meeting to choose a 100-person body to advise and oversee Iraq-s interim government. Yesterday, it interrupted its business to send a delegation to Najaf, where Muqtada al-Sadr is still holed-up in the Shrine of Imam Ali. Is it -democracy in action- or another sign of continuing chaos? We get two perspectives, from University of Michigan historian Juan Cole and the Heritage Foundation's James Carafano.
Pakistan has been arresting al Qaeda suspects in the war on terror, but it-s no closer to Osama bin Laden. Today-s Los Angeles Times says, that-s despite the FBI-s -crucial role- in helping intercept cell phone calls and provide other assistance. The story repeats what the US has previously denied, that the Bush administration wants Osama before the November election. As low level suspects are being rounded up, why is Osama so illusive? Meanwhile, in Afghanistan, the trial of three Americans accused of torture and hostage-taking has resumed. The main defendant is Jonathan Idema, who has told reporters his mission was approved by the Pentagon, a charge the Defense Department denies. Warren Olney updates both stories with reporters, experts in foreign policy, and a former official of the National Security Council.
  • Making News: Politics and President Bush-s Plan to Realign Troops Speaking to the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Cincinnati today, President Bush said he wants to re-deploy American soldiers around the world and bring many home from Japan and Europe. Within minutes, a top foreign policy aide to Senator John Kerry said the re-deployment won-t save money or help military families. Watching and reporting on the rapid-fire exchange is Ron Brownstein of the Los Angeles Times.
  • Reporter's Notebook: Iraq's National Congress Takes Action on Najaf, al-Sadr
    Iraq-s National Conference is meeting to choose a 100-person body to advise and oversee Iraq-s interim government. Yesterday, it interrupted its business to send a delegation to Najaf, where Muqtada al-Sadr is still holed-up in the Shrine of Imam Ali. Is it -democracy in action- or another sign of continuing chaos? We get two perspectives, from University of Michigan historian Juan Cole and the Heritage Foundation's James Carafano.

President's remarks to Veterans of Foreign Wars on re-deployment of US troops

Brownstein's article on Bush, Kerry over Iraq

Los Angeles Times article on Pakistan's search for Osama bin Laden

The New Republic article on Bush administration's pressuring Pakistan to deliver Osama bin Laden

New York Times article on Iraq National Conference slipping into chaos

Washington Post article on political activism at Iraq National Conference

UN on Iraq

North's article on Kabul trial of Jonathan Idema

Credits

Host:

Warren Olney