To the Point
Foreign Policy and the Presidential Campaign
This year's presidential campaign will be, in part, a debate on America's role in a changing world. We hear the world-views of advisors to McCain and Obama, then debate specific differences on Iraq, terrorism and relations with other nations from Iran to China, Russia and the European Union. Also, Hezbollah takes control of Beirut, and Myanmar's humanitarian crisis. Should other countries intervene?
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenThis year's presidential campaign will be, in part, a debate on America's role in a changing world. We hear the world-views of advisors to McCain and Obama, then debate specific differences on Iraq, terrorism and relations with other nations from Iran to China, Russia and the European Union. Also, Hezbollah takes control of Beirut. On Reporter's Notebook, as Myanmar continues to refuse international disaster assistance, what about the so-called "obligation to protect" people from their own governments?
In this episode
3 storiesHezbollah Takes Control of Beirut
In Beirut, Lebanon today, the forces of Hezbollah seized large areas of the capital city. It's a dramatic show of force by the Iran-backed opposition, which appears to have defeated pro-government forces backed by the US. About ten people have been killed. Andrew Lee Butters is in Beirut for Time magazine.
Read the story6 minAre the Candidates Ready for a Post-American World?
This year's presidential campaign is shaping up as a major debate on America's foreign policy with stark differences between the most likely candidates. John McCain wants "victory" in Iraq. Barack Obama wants an end—not just to the war, but to what he calls the "mindset" that started it in the first place.
Read the story34 minAre More Radical Measures Necessary to Get Aid to Myanmar?
In Myanmar, the UN suspended relief supplies today after military leaders seized shipments headed for cyclone survivors and turned away aid workers. Now the regime says one American flight will be allowed in, and the UN says it will resume efforts tomorrow. Amid the confusion, a massive humanitarian crisis is underway involving a million people.
Read the story9 min
