To the Point
Diplomacy and Promises of Democracy in the Middle East
At the Arab Summit, Saudi Arabia has taken the lead from Egypt in the effort to make peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Meantime, two participants at the meeting--Egypt's President Mubarak and Musharraf of Pakistan--are accused of reneging on promises of democracy. Is the US supporting repressive leaders to pursue its own interests? How great is the threat of extremist takeover in either Egypt or Pakistan? Also, a captured sailor tells Iranian TV that her British boat was trespassing on that country's water and, on Reporter's Notebook, another showdown is shaping up between President Bush and the Congress.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenAt the Arab Summit, Saudi Arabia has taken the lead from Egypt in the effort to make peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Meantime, two participants at the meeting--Egypt's President Mubarak and Musharraf of Pakistan--are accused of reneging on promises of democracy. Is the US supporting repressive leaders to pursue its own interests? How great is the threat of extremist takeover in either Egypt or Pakistan? Also, a captured sailor tells Iranian TV that her British boat was trespassing on that country's water and, on Reporter's Notebook, another showdown is shaping up between President Bush and the Congress.
In this episode
3 storiesIranian TV Airs Footage of Captured British Sailors
Fifteen British sailors and marines have been shown on Iranian State TV, including the one woman, who says British boats "trespassed" on Iranian waters before she and her comrades were seized last Friday by Iranian forces.
Read the story6 minDiplomacy and Promises of Democracy in the Middle East
The Arab summit is reaching out to Israel, led by the regional powerhouse of Saudi Arabia, where King Abdullah has taken up where Egypt left off. Despite Israel's initial rejection five years ago, Prime Minister Olmert has agreed to take another look.
Read the story6 minSenate, House Create War-Funding Problems for Bush
By two votes last night, the US Senate approved a non-binding deadline for pulling out of Iraq by March of next year. By the middle of May, the military will be running short of money in Iraq.
Read the story8 min
