US and Iran in Middle-East Proxy War?

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From the start, the White House has been adamant that the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon is "not our war," but as the conflict enters its third week, questions arise as to whether this is a proxy war between the United States and Iran. There are reports that the US recently supplied the Israeli military with laser-guided "smart bombs," and the State Department has echoed Israeli calls for disarmament of Hezbollah before there is a cease-fire. Hezbollah itself is considered by many to be the third division of the Iranian army, America's chief enemy in the region, and one now seeking a nuclear bomb. Guest host Conan Nolan looks at the conflict in the Middle East and the ramifications for the US and Iran. (An extended version of this program originally aired earlier today on To the Point.) Reporter's Notebook: Floyd Landis, Sports Doping and TestosteroneThree days later after becoming the only third American to win the Tour de France, Floyd Landis of California finds himself on the brink of having that title stripped from him. Urine samples show that during a key stage of the race he tested positive for illegally high levels of testosterone. Landis has staunchly defended himself against the allegations. We hear more about the controversy from journalists Brian Alexander and Andrew Sullivan and from the Director of the only US lab accredited by the International Olympic Committee.
Guest host Conan Nolan is reporter for KNBC in Los Angeles, who has covered national and local news stories since 1986. He's also worked as a television news reporter and sports anchor, as well as a public radio political reporter in San Luis Obispo, California.

Remarks of President Bush and British Prime Minister Blair

New York Times-CBS News Poll on President Bush, Iraq, Middle East

Rutenberg's article on Americans' pessimism over US involvement in the Middle East

Floyd Landis

International Cycling Union (UCI) on doping charges

Outside magazine's article on Floyd Landis' response to failed doping test

Alexander's (July, 2005) article on the truth about drugs in sports

Sullivan's (April, 2000) New York Times Magazine article on testosterone

Credits

Host:
Warren Olney

Producer:
Frances Anderton