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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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
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
Trump's 'America First' goes missing abroad In the Middle East, President Trump is changing some policies of the Obama Administration—and reversing his own campaign attacks on Islam as a religion that "hates us." We hear about his visit to Saudi Arabia and what's at stake for the rest of his foreign excursion.
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.