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?
Venezuela spirals into economic and political chaos Venezuela, a country whose potential for prosperity is unmatched, finds itself on the verge of civil war. What sustains the repressive government? With time running out, guest host León Krauze looks at what the international community can do to pull the country from the edge of collapse.
The week that wouldn't quit Will next week get even weirder? (Special one-hour episode)
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.
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?