Middle East Institute
Vice president for policy and research at the Middle East Institute, a nonpartisan think-tank; former director of the Middle East Center at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
PROFILE
Paul Salem
Guest
FROM Paul Salem
Which Way, L.A.?
What's the End Game for the Attack on Libya? The massive attack on Libya began after the UN Security Council passed a resolution on Friday authorizing "all necessary measures" to protect Libyan civilians, short of putting western boots on the ground. American support came suddenly after weeks of apparent indecision.
To the Point
What's the End Game for the Attack on Libya? After weeks of backing away from military action, the Obama Administration suddenly signed on to the United Nations effort in Libya. The massive attack on Libya began after the UN Security Council passed a resolution on Friday authorizing "all necessary measures" to protect Libyan civilians, short of putting western boots on the ground. Today, the US Commanding General, Carter Ham, says that's still the mission, and that the coalition is not supporting forces opposed to Moammar Gadhafi. But what is the ultimate goal? Is it to topple Gadhafi? Can the rebels do that alone? What if he's able to hold on to power? What's the role of the Arab League, Britain and France? Is the Administration itself divided?
Recommended
To the Point
Who's to blame for the opioid crisis? Some of the lawyers who took on Big Tobacco are now going after Big Pharma. It’s all about the deadly epidemic of opioid use. Are the drug companies to blame? What about the users? Later, on today’s Talking Point: making sense of Britain’s upset election.
Left, Right & Center
How was the trip? President Trump's travels got less fun as he went from the Middle East to Europe.
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
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.