International Editor for World Politics Watch
American journalist in Venezuela on a grant from the Pulitzer Center; International Editor for World Politics Watch
PROFILE
Guy Taylor
Guest
FROM Guy Taylor
To the Point
David Hicks Enters Surprise Guilty Plea at Guantanamo Bay In December, 2001, David Hicks was captured while attempting to flee Afghanistan in a taxi. A month later, the Australian citizen became one of the first prisoners held at Guantánamo Bay. He was accused of using a gun to guard a Taliban tank, conducting surveillance on the empty US embassy in Kabul, attending al Qaeda training camps and fighting against American forces. Yesterday, he became the first Guantánamo prisoner to face a military commission , newly authorized by Congress last year. After a contentious hearing was adjourned, Hicks pleaded not guilty to involvement in any terrorist act, but stunned everyone by pleading guilty to one count of supporting a terrorist organization. Has Hicks been treated fairly or subjected to a kangaroo court? With the Bush Administration divided, what are the prospects for closing Guantánamo Bay?
To the Point
Venezuela's Hugo Chavez, Saint or Dictator? A new president was sworn into office today in Mexico, after much uncertainty after a disputed election. On Sunday, President Hugo Chavez is running for re-election in Venezuela. Reviled in the United States, but in his own country Chavez arouses passion in supporters as well as opponents. What are the chances of the man who called President Bush "the devil" in a speech to the United Nation ?
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To the Point
Ex-FBI Director Comey tells his side of the story Today, former FBI Director James Comey came close to calling the President who fired him a liar. The White House denied the claim and called it insulting, but Republican Senators did not challenge Comey’s truthfulness. Many questions remain: did the President try to obstruct a federal investigation? Later, we’ll go behind the “velvet rope” for a look at 5-Star health care for the richest Americans.
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?
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
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.