Advisor to the Middle East Programs, Council on Foreign Relations
Advisor to the Middle East Programs and Director of the Energy Security Group at the Council on Foreign Relations
PROFILE
Judith Kipper
Guest
FROM Judith Kipper
To the Point
Diplomacy and Confrontation for Iran The world saw two sides of President Bush today as he talked of both peace and possible confrontation. In his speech to the General Assembly , he reassured Muslims that America is not at war with Islam and that it's looking for peace with Iran. Although President Bush said nothing about economic sanctions--let alone the "military option"--if Iran continues to develop nuclear technology, on the sidelines he affirmed that the consequences of continued nuclear development could include such sanctions. Bush also said he won't meet with President Ahmadinejad, who did not show up in the chamber for the President Bush's speech. What are the prospects for diplomacy?
Recommended
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
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
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
Is the threat from Russia missing from the Russia meddling probe? There's much being made about the Trump administration's possible ties with Russia. But the bottom line is Russia's effort to influence American democracy. Do the President and his aides care enough to take action before voters go back to the polls?