To the Point
America's Changing Image in the Middle East
Middle Easterners are used to seeing the US as the invincible Superpower, but events in Iraq are changing America's image. Also, stock prices continue to drop, and gay rights and Democratic presidential candidates.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenMiddle Easterners are used to seeing the US as the invincible Superpower, but events in Iraq are changing America's image. Is the Great Satan incompetent after all? What does that mean for governments that depend on US support and for America's own objectives? Also, stock prices continue to drop—in the US, Europe and Asia and, on Reporter's Notebook, gay rights and Democratic candidates last night in Los Angeles.
In this episode
3 storiesStock Markets React to Problems in Sub-Prime Lending Market
Stock prices dropped again on Wall Street today—following markets in Europe and Asia—which, in turn, were responding to America's sub-prime lending problems. It's the dark side of what has been a stabilizing factor. That's according to Daniel Gross who writes the Contrary Indicator column for Newsweek and Moneybox for Slate.com.
Read the story6 minIs the Great Satan a Big Blunderer?
Polls show that vast numbers of Middle Easterners believe the US wants to divide their region, take over their oil and replace Islam with Christianity. Al Jazeera TV, newspapers and magazines promote the idea of a grand conspiracy by an invincible Superpower.
Read the story35 minDemocratic Candidates Come Out for Gay Rights Forum
Gays and lesbians are active in Democratic politics and constitute one of the party's more reliable voting blocs, but the nation is divided on some of the issues they care about most. Last night in Los Angeles, six candidates for president answered questions from a very interested audience.
Read the story8 min
