Professor of Political Science, William and Mary College
Professor of Political Science at William and Mary College and author of Mexico: Narco Violence and a Failed State?; former state legislator in Virginia
PROFILE
George Grayson
Guest
FROM George Grayson
To the Point
Is Mexico Becoming a 'Failed State?' President Felipe Calderón admits that his war on drug traffic is in trouble, and that Mexico's criminal gangs "want to replace the state." After almost four years of bloody warfare, cartels that sometimes outgun the army are smuggling more drugs than ever and expanding into other activities. Local corruption has allowed them free rein in many places, and kidnappings have shut down operations of state-run Pemex, a big source of national income. Calderón says he's open to changing his strategy. What are his options? Does the US have to do more to reduce the biggest drug market of all? What about legalization, north and south of the border?
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To the Point
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.
To the Point
Will the Senate write a healthcare bill in secret? While Democrats and Republicans argue White House relations with Russia, another question is being decided behind closed doors: who gets help buying health insurance and who doesn't? We hear how the pros and cons are being shrouded in secrecy.
To the Point
Trump's 'America First' goes missing abroad In the Middle East, President Trump is changing some policies of the Obama Administration—and reversing his own campaign attacks on Islam as a religion that "hates us." We hear about his visit to Saudi Arabia and what's at stake for the rest of his foreign excursion.
To the Point
The longest US war: Will Trump send more troops to Afghanistan? The Trump White House is divided over the Pentagon's request for more troops in Afghanistan—where the US has been fighting for the past 16 years. Is there a formula -- either for "victory" or a political settlement? Is there an end in sight for America's longest war?