To the Point
Iran, Israel and the Atom Bomb
In Vienna today, Iran met with Germany, France and Britain on the issue of Iran's intention to enrich uranium. It's the first such meeting since August, but nobody expects much progress, especially after Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad ridiculed the Holocaust and said Israel should be "wiped off the map." Was that a real threat? Was it international posturing or mainly for domestic consumption? How close is Iran to making a nuclear weapon? We talk about Iran's internal politics and the chances that Israel will make a preemptive strike.Making News: Congress Races to Complete Spending Bills Vice President Cheney broke a tie in the Senate today giving Republicans a one-vote margin for spending cuts in Medicaid, Medicare and student loans. But they failed to get oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge--at least the first time around. Jodi Schneider, Economics Editor at Congressional Quarterly, has more on today's session. Reporter's Notebook: Religious Shia's Big Win In Iraq Poses New Problems for USAfter boycotting January's election, Sunni Arabs were marginalized in Iraq's interim government. Last week, they turned out in force, though they may end up with the same result. With 90% of votes counted, Sunni leaders are among those claiming the election must have been rigged. Sunni support will be crucial to the success of any new government. A 30-year veteran of the State Department, Wayne White is an adjunct scholar with the Middle East Institute in Washington.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenIn Vienna today, Iran met with Germany, France and Britain on the issue of Iran's intention to enrich uranium. It's the first such meeting since August, but nobody expects much progress, especially after Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad ridiculed the Holocaust and said Israel should be "wiped off the map." Was that a real threat? Was it international posturing or mainly for domestic consumption? How close is Iran to making a nuclear weapon? We talk about Iran's internal politics and the chances that Israel will make a preemptive strike.
Congress Races to Complete Spending Bills
Vice President Cheney broke a tie in the Senate today giving Republicans a one-vote margin for spending cuts in Medicaid, Medicare and student loans. But they failed to get oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge--at least the first time around. Jodi Schneider, Economics Editor at Congressional Quarterly, has more on today's session.
Religious Shia's Big Win In Iraq Poses New Problems for US
After boycotting January's election, Sunni Arabs were marginalized in Iraq's interim government. Last week, they turned out in force, though they may end up with the same result. With 90% of votes counted, Sunni leaders are among those claiming the election must have been rigged. Sunni support will be crucial to the success of any new government. A 30-year veteran of the State Department, Wayne White is an adjunct scholar with the Middle East Institute in Washington.
Deficit Reduction Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 2005
Arctic Coastal Plain Domestic Energy Security Act of 2005
USA Patriot Improvement and Reauthorization Act (S 1389)
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Iran
McDowall's article on Iranian president repeating Holocaust denial
Election Results, Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq on