Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations
Senior Fellow for National Security Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and author of The Edge of Disaster: Surviving Terror and Catastrophe and America the Vulnerable: How Our Government Is Failing to Protect Us from Terrorism
Industrial Chemicals and Homeland Security Three recent incidents in Iraq have involved explosives combined with chlorine, which can be toxic and even deadly when it's inhaled as a gas. Such bombs have US officials worried that terrorists are resorting to chemical warfare. Could it happen here? Since September 11, reporters have been demonstrating the vulnerability of chemical plants, some near major cities. But the Bush Administration has resisted efforts to impose tough safety measures; new federal rules could undermine efforts by states. How serious is the risk to the public? Do corporate officials or government bureaucrats know best what needs to be done? We hear from journalists, industry and national security experts.
September 11, Five Years Later The attack on Pearl Harbor unified an American generation that went on to win World War II. Their descendents still share the memories today. It would not be until September 11, 2001 that the United States would again be so dramatically attacked within its own borders. Just as they had 60 years before, Americans felt a deep sense of unity. This time, however, that feeling lasted for less than a year. Has President Bush failed to ask for the sacrifices demanded for the continuing war on terror, or have Americans been lulled into complacency because the administration has prevented another attack on US soil? Where the rest of the world is concerned, had the really important changes already happened?
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?
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?
Terrorism and tweets, hate speech and murder Just days before an election, Britain is coping with a rash of deadly terrorism, and Prime Minister Theresa May is on the defensive. And again today, President Trump has tweeted criticism of the Mayor of London. Later, a double murder in Portland, Oregon has revealed the ugly past of a supposedly “progressive” city. One immediate question: is “hate speech” protected by the First Amendment?
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.