To the Point
Global Warming and the Rush to the Arctic
Global climate change is melting the ice above the Arctic Circle, creating a rush to control new shipping lanes and untold riches beneath the sea. Will the Russian flag beneath the North Pole be a "Sputnik moment" for the United States? Also, another recall on toys from China, and America's "bumbling" use of bad guys in the war on terror.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenGlobal climate change is melting the ice above the Arctic Circle, creating a rush to control new shipping lanes and untold riches beneath the sea. Will the Russian flag beneath the North Pole be a "Sputnik moment" for the United States? We hear about domestic politics and the potential for international conflict. Also, Mattel issues a second recall on toys from China and, on Reporter's Notebook, the Pentagon and an international arms dealer famous for working both sides of the fence.
Russian adventurer and Duma deputy Artur Chilingarov holds up a photo of the flag he planted in the North Pole to lay claim to potential natural resources. Photo: Natalia Kolesnikova/AFP/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesMattel Expands Recall of Toys Made in China
For the second time in two weeks, Mattel has announced a toy recall. This time it's for nine million toys made in China, recalled because of magnets children can swallow or because of lead paint . Nicholas Casey reports for the Wall Street Journal , which has been ahead of the story.
Read the story6 minGlobal Warming and the Rush to Claim the Arctic's Riches
CNN calls it "an irony that even Al Gore might appreciate." As global warming causes the polar icecaps to recede, frozen oceans become navigable and undiscovered oil and natural gas becomes accessible. Russia's most famous Arctic explorer, Artur Chilingarov , has placed a flag on the seabed beneath the North Pole.
Read the story35 min'Merchant of Death' May Be Responsible for Missing Weapons in Iraq
In the 1990's, Victor Bout was a target of US intelligence, which wanted to end his role in illegal arms traffic worldwide. But even after public revelations about his notorious activities, Bout became a weapons contractor for the Pentagon.
Read the story8 min
