Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (formerly)
Former project leader of the Chemical and Biological Warfare Project of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
PROFILE
Richard Guthrie
Guest
FROM Richard Guthrie
To the Point
Is Taking Charge of Syria's Chemical Weapons Mission Impossible? President Obama has postponed his "decision" for taking limited military action to punish Syria's alleged use of chemical weapons. Secretary of State John Kerry has gone to Geneva, where he and foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov will discuss Russia's proposed alternative : placing Bashar al-Assad's arsenal under international supervision with plans to destroy it -- a dangerous job that could take a decade or more. Despite warnings that it can't be done during a civil war, we hear from a former weapons inspector who says the difficulties might be overcome. Where did Syria's chemical stockpile come from? Did the West, including the US, stand by and watch it build up? How much do we really know? Should more intelligence findings be revealed to overcome public skepticism that is deeply ingrained?
To the Point
Conflicting Messages in the Midst of a Crisis As President Obama prepares to address the nation tonight, it appears he'll be arguing for both war and diplomacy at the same time. He's embraced the Russian proposal that Syria's chemical weapons be placed under international control — if it proves to be serious. But he also wants Congress to approve military action despite polls showing that most Americans are opposed. We see how developments have complicated the President's challenges at the United Nations, on Capitol Hill and with American public opinion.
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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
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.
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
Replacing Obamacare: Now you see it… now you don’t As the Senate deliberates replacing Obmacare, health coverage for millions of people is at stake. There've been no public hearings, and a draft measure won't be made public. Is the House version so unpopular that that Senate is hiding a version that looks much the same?