Baghdad Correspondent for Newsweek
Baghdad Correspondent for Newsweek magazine
PROFILE
Larry Kaplow
Guest
FROM Larry Kaplow
To the Point
American Forces Drawn into Bitter Fighting in Iraq Yesterday, President Bush said Iraq was returning to " normalcy ," but today he conceded the situation is "dangerous and fragile." He called the Maliki government's efforts to confront criminal elements a " defining moment " in Iraq. The President's comments followed US air strikes in both the southern city of Basra and a Shiite militia stronghold in Baghdad, where the government has declared a curfew through Sunday. We get an update on the situation from a journalist, documentarian and aid worker in Iraq.
Which Way, L.A.?
Has Time Run Out on President Bush's Surge in Iraq? Although Congressional Democrats failed to prevent President Bush's military surge in Iraq last year, they won a concession. They funded the increased deployments, but demanded that the administration report on the success of its operations by September 15. With that day of reckoning almost here, the political battle lines have been drawn. Many Democrats, and a growing number of Republicans, are demanding a withdrawal. The military is stretched to the breaking point, but terrorism remains a threat and the President says the surge needs more time. When General David Petreaus makes his report next week, Bush will face one of his toughest decisions since he launched the war: does the US stay or go? Can Bush continue to fight and still bring some troops home? Guest host Jim Sterngold explores the chaos of Iraq that's taking center stage in the chaotic political arena in Washington. This is a re-broadcast of today's To the Point. For the full version that aired on TTP, please click here .
To the Point
The Looming Political Battle over Iraq Although Congressional Democrats failed to prevent President Bush's military surge in Iraq last year, they won a concession. They funded the increased deployments, but demanded that the administration report on the success of its operations by September 15. With that day of reckoning almost here, the political battle lines have been drawn. Many Democrats, and a growing number of Republicans, are demanding a withdrawal. The military is stretched to the breaking point, but terrorism remains a threat and the President says the surge needs more time. When General David Petreaus makes his report next week, Bush will face one of his toughest decisions since he launched the war: does the US stay or go? Can Bush continue to fight and still bring some troops home? Guest host Jim Sterngold explores the chaos of Iraq that's taking center stage in the chaotic political arena in Washington.
To the Point
The US and Iran Finally Talk about Iraq After nearly three decades of formal silence, representatives from the US and Iran met in Baghdad yesterday and agreed on the need for a stable Iraq. There were many issues that were not on the table, including Iran's continued defiance of the international community with its nuclear program. There is also the question of US-Iranian citizens who have been detained during visits to their home country and were today charged with espionage . Guest host Sara Terry explores Iran's agenda in the Middle East and US response to it.
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To the Point
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?
To the Point
Trump plays scolder-in-chief with NATO allies At the opening of NATO’s dramatic new headquarters in Brussels today, President Trump acknowledged that Article 5 — promising that “an attack on one nation is an attack on all” -- has only been invoked one time: in the aftermath of September 11. But the President failed to provide what 27 other Alliance members have been waiting for: a re-commitment by America’s new leader to Article 5. Instead, they got a scolding.
To the Point
Trump's new look at civil rights and global warming President Trump is reportedly ready to pull the US out of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. We look at the possible consequences. On the second half of the program, we hear about cuts in Obama-Era civil rights programs called for by the Trump Administration's first budget plan.