To the Point
Drones, the CIA and the 'Disposition Matrix'
With almost no public discussion, President Obama has expanded the use of targeted killings. How has the policy developed? How could it change the role of the CIA?
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenWith almost no public discussion, President Obama has expanded the use of targeted killings. It's a cheap way to get rid of terrorist leaders, but mistakes and civilian casualties can be costly in more ways than one. We look at how the policy has developed and how it could change the role of the Central Intelligence Agency. Also, a UN envoy claims that the Syrian Government has agreed to a temporary cease-fire, another Republican Senate candidate says pregnancy caused by rape is not justification for legal abortion. Will that impact the presidential campaign?
Banner image: A view of a house in what security official said was destroyed by a US drone in Yemen's eastern province of Hadramout September 4, 2012. Photo by Reuters/Stringer
In this episode
3 storiesUN Envoy Claims Syrian Government Agrees to Temporary Cease Fire
The UN envoy to Syria says Syrian President al-Assad has agreed to a holiday cease fire , along with most of the opposition factions. But it's not clear when it might begin or how long it might continue. Jon Leyne, Middle East Correspondent for the BBC , joins us from Cairo.
Read the story7 minTargeted Killings, Drones and the Role of the CIA
Targeted killing of terrorist leaders was controversial when President Bush adopted the practice in the aftermath of September 11. Barack Obama has widely expanded the practice, using unmanned drones.
Read the story33 minAnother Rape Comment Has Romney Campaign Running
In Indiana, three candidates for the US Senate are all opposed to abortion. In a debate last night, Republican Richard Mourdock said his only exception is the life of the mother. He explicitly ruled out cases of rape. "I think even if life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something that God intended to happen."
Read the story10 min
