UN Correspondent for The Nation
UN Correspondent for The Nation magazine
PROFILE
Ian Williams
Guest
FROM Ian Williams
Which Way, L.A.?
Global Community Reacts to North Korea's First Nuclear Test North Korea says it has successfully conducted its first underground nuclear test, an action that has generated grave concern from the international community. News of the event dominated this morning's UN agenda, where the 15-member Security Council spent a brisk 30 minutes in universally condemning the test . President Bush responded by calling North Korea's actions "unacceptable" and deserving of "immediate response," vowing to hold Pyongpang "fully accountable." Similar statements of concern have been issued from spokespeople in South Korea, the UK, China, Japan and Australia. Guest host Diana Nyad explores the UN's response to what countries such as China are calling "flagrant and brazen" violations of international opinion.
To the Point
Korean Nominated as Secretary General as Defiant DPRK Conducts Nuclear Test North Korea says it has successfully conducted its first underground nuclear test, an action that has reportedly brought joy to the people and the army of that country, and condemnation and concern from the international community. President Bush has spoken to the leaders of South Korea, China, Japan and Russia, all of whom agreed that North Korea's actions "are unacceptable and deserve an immediate response." Meantime, the United Nations Security Council has nominated South Korea's Ban Ki-moon to replace Kofi Annan as the next Secretary General. The General Assembly will vote this week. If approved, Ban would become take over the leadership role on January 1 of 2007. Guest host Diana Nyad explores the role Ban will play in the UN's "responsibility to protect" and the fine line he'll walk over negotiations with North Korea.
Recommended
To the Point
White House budget proposal slashes and burns President Trump's first budget request is considered dead on arrival in Congress — a familiar development in Capitol Hill. We hear what it reveals about the priorities of the new administration. What's likely to die… and what might survive?
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
Venezuela spirals into economic and political chaos Venezuela, a country whose potential for prosperity is unmatched, finds itself on the verge of civil war. What sustains the repressive government? With time running out, guest host León Krauze looks at what the international community can do to pull the country from the edge of collapse.