Institute for Science and International Security
President of the nonprofit Institute for Science and International Security, he specializes in secret nuclear programs around the world; former member of the International Atomic Energy Agency's weapons inspection team in Iraq and author of Peddling Peril: How the Secret Nuclear Trade Arms America’s Enemies
Did Trump get conned by Kim? Six months after threatening nuclear warfare, “little rocket man” and the “dotard” were talking peace in Singapore. Beyond the hype, did President Trump and Kim Jong Un really mean it? A seasoned diplomat, a UN nuclear weapons inspector and veteran journalists provide contrasting assessments.
Netanyahu Demands a "Better Deal" In the chambers of Congress today, the Prime Minister of Israel challenged the President of the United States . Benjamin Netanyahu denounced ongoing negotiations over Iran's nuclear program and the claim that the only alternative is war. Before denouncing the negotiations, the Prime Minister insisted his speech was not designed to stir partisan differences in the US. He said Israel has been supported by all US Presidents since Harry Truman. He thanked President Obama for supporting Israel in times of needm including the Carmel forest fire, attacks on Israel's embassy in Cairo and missile support against Hamas in Gaza. Applause interrupted Netanyahu again and again, but it was hardly unanimous. Democrat Nancy Pelosi said he insulted "the intelligence of the United States."
Report Details Stuxnet Worms Affect on Iranian Nuclear Program It turns out the stuxnet computer virus really did disable part of Iran’s nuclear program. Did it do any lasting damage?
Iran, Stuxnet and International Diplomacy The US and Israel now say Iran is not as far along in developing nuclear technology as they thought just a few months ago. Hillary Rodham Clinton says that's due to international sanctions. The outgoing chief of Israeli intelligence cites what he calls " technical setbacks ." The New York Times is more specific, pointing to the Stuxnet computer virus, tested at Israel's Dimona nuclear complex with assistance from the United States. Segment image: Iran begins to fuel its first nuclear power station on August 21, 2010 in Bushehr. Photo: IIPA via Getty Images
Iran, Stuxnet and International Diplomacy US and Israeli estimates of Iran's nuclear timetable are less alarming than they were just months ago. Hillary Rodham Clinton says that's due to international sanctions. The outgoing chief of Israeli intelligence cites what he calls " technical setbacks ." The New York Times reports it's the result of Stuxnet, tested at Israel's Dimona nuclear complex with assistance from the United States. That computer virus reportedly caused Iranian centrifuges to spin out of control while convincing operators all was well. It's also capable of disrupting electrical power grids, air traffic control systems or military networks, including those of its own developers. How vulnerable is the US? What will Stuxnet mean for diplomacy, including upcoming talks about Iran's nuclear program?
A New START for Nuclear Disarmament President Obama was back in Prague, where he became the toast of Europe a year ago with a speech that envisioned a world without nuclear weapons. Today, he and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed a new version of the Strategic Arms Treaty, which expired last December.
A New START for Nuclear Disarmament President Obama is back in Prague, where he became the toast of Europe a year ago with a speech that envisioned a world without nuclear weapons. Today, he and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed a new version of the Strategic Arms Treaty, which expired last December. Supporters concede it has loopholes, but call it essential to reducing the dangers of Cold War weapons that have outlived their usefulness. Opponents say it gives too much and gets too little and allows Russia to opt out if it doesn't like US plans for missile defense in Europe. Will it make any difference to Iran or North Korea? What are the chances of ratification by Russia's parliament and the United States Senate?
New UN Sanctions against Iran Last week's UN Security Council vote to sanction Iran for nuclear development was just one vote short of unanimous. But the sanctions themselves were much weaker than the Bush Administration had wanted as proof that Iran is isolated from the international community. Will the sanctions against program help to isolate a major regional power? Is Iran more interested in what's happening next door in Iraq? Are the US and Iran engaged in what amounts to a Cold War in the Middle East?
New Intelligence on Iran's Nuclear Program US intelligence agencies now believe that Iran stopped trying to build nuclear weapons four years ago. The "military option" appears to be off the table. President Bush's effort to increase sanctions against Iran is still going strong, but the latest intelligence estimate may undermine that, too. In Iran today, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called the latest US Intelligence Estimate a "victory" for his claim that Iran is not building nuclear weapons. He did not mention the finding that there was such a program up until 2003. Mohamed elBaradei of the International Atomic Energy Agency says Iran is " somewhat vindicated " but that there still are "lingering concerns." Have 16 intelligence agencies declared their independence from political influence? Has the President turned his back on the neo-cons who wanted to follow the war in Iraq with attacks on Iran?
What is Trump's plan for Middle East peace? On his first foreign tour, President Trump has promised "peace" between Israel and the Palestinians. Are there any details for re-starting talks that have been stalled for the past three years?
Janesville and the American Dream Janesville, Wisconsin is the hometown of Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan. But he couldn’t prevent the closing of the General Motors factory after 100 years. On this Memorial Day rebroadcast of To the Point, we hear what’s happened to what once was a model of American middle-class unity.
Who's to blame for the opioid crisis? Some of the lawyers who took on Big Tobacco are now going after Big Pharma. It’s all about the deadly epidemic of opioid use. Are the drug companies to blame? What about the users? Later, on today’s Talking Point: making sense of Britain’s upset election.
Human Rights in the era of Donald Trump President Trump’s UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley, said today the US might pull out of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council. Serious violators of human rights are members of the Council itself–and a US resignation could make things worse. Later on today’s show, now that he’s into his second term, comedian turned US Senator Al Franken is telling jokes again.