To the Point
Afghanistan: War and Peace in the Graveyard of Empires
Does al Qaeda in Afghanistan threaten US security? What about the Taliban? What will it take to establish a credible civilian government? Should the US send more troops or begin conducting a graceful withdrawal? We look at some of the questions facing the latest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. Also, insurers suddenly push back against the healthcare reform bill, and football, concussions and memory-related disease.
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenDoes al Qaeda in Afghanistan threaten US security? What about the Taliban? What will it take to establish a credible civilian government? Should the US send more troops or begin conducting a graceful withdrawal? We look at some of the questions facing the latest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. Also, insurers suddenly push back against the healthcare reform bill, and the National Football League is assessing a new study that shows former players are 19 times more likely than other men to suffer from Alzheimer's and other diseases.
Banner image: Afghan elders speak with US Marines from Fox Company 2nd Battalion 3rd Marines and Afghan National Army soldiers during a local Shura, or village council meeting on October 10, 2009. Photo: David Furst/AFP/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesInsurers Suddenly Push Back Hard Against Health Reform Bill
After months of collaboration with the Obama White House, the insurance industry is now warning that a crucial version of healthcare reform might push premiums too high. It’s the Senate Finance Committee bill , championed by Max Baucus and scheduled for a vote tomorrow. Jeffrey Young covers healthcare for The Hill .
Read the story8 minWar and Peace in the Graveyard of Empires
Last week, President Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize, as he concluded a series of strategy sessions on the eight-year old war in Afghanistan. Efforts to defeat the Taliban, create a credible government and help the civilian population are failing.
Read the story36 minIncreased Dementia Risk Seen for NFL Players
The National Football League has long denied that retired players are subject to Alzheimer's or other memory-related diseases. But a study commissioned by the NFL itself reports otherwise. What will that mean not just for the pros but for high-school and college players who often suffer concussions?
Read the story7 min
