To the Point

American Foreign Policy and United Nations Reform

The biggest meeting of world leaders in history is about to convene at the United Nations as some 170 international leaders gather to take stock of international goals established as the new millennium began five years ago. A last-minute compromise has scaled back proposals for drastic change, as so-called "spoiler" nations, including the United States, have objected to some of the goals themselves. What's still possible for fighting poverty, stopping genocide and reforming the UN itself? What's the American role in United Nations reform? We hear from a reporter covering the UN, experts in international law and diplomacy, human rights advocates, a member of the UN Human Rights Committee and a senior advisor to Secretary General Kofi Annan. Making News: President Bush Takes Responsibility for Katrina Response President Bush appeared at the White House today with Iraq's President Talabani, but the first question was about the federal response to Katrina. Should Americans be worried about the government's ability to handle another terrorist attack? President Bush took "full responsibility" for federal failures to respond to Katrina and vowed to find out just went wrong. Linda Feldmann covers the White House for the Christian Science Monitor. Reporter's Notebook: Supreme Court Nominee Roberts Grilled on Abortion Ruling After yesterday's speeches by Senators of both parties, Judge John Roberts faced some tough questions today as the Senate Judiciary Committee resumed hearings on his nomination to be Chief Justice of the United States. Roe v. Wade and the Right to Privacy were just one of the hot-button issues facing President Bush's choice to be the 17th Chief Justice. Stephen Henderson is Supreme Court reporter for Knight-Ridder newspapers.