To the Point
Iraq and Afghanistan: Force and Diplomacy
Presidential politics and the economy have shifted attention away from Iraq and Afghanistan, where circumstances are increasingly complicated for American troops and diplomats. We look at the challenges facing President Bush and his successor. Also, the latest effort to get credit flowing again, and early voting means long lines in Florida and other states.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenPresidential politics and the economy have shifted attention away from Iraq and Afghanistan, where circumstances are increasingly complicated for American troops and diplomats. We look at the challenges facing President Bush and his successor. Also, the latest effort to get credit flowing again, and early voters are heckled in North Carolina; others wait for hours in Texas and Florida.
Banner image: A local Afghan carries his load past the US Army's Camp Blessing in the Kunar Province of eastern Afghanistan. Photo: John Moore/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesFed's Latest Move to East Credit Crisis
Yesterday, Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke called for a stimulus package from Congress. Today, the Fed announced that $500 billion will go the money-market mutual-fund industry, the latest effort to get credit flowing again. Peter Coy is economics editor for BusinessWeek magazine.
Read the story6 minWar and Diplomacy in Iraq and Afghanistan
Violence is down in Iraq, but it's up in Afghanistan, with American soldiers and diplomats caught in between. After months of painstaking negotiations, the US and Iraq appeared to have reached a deal last week on extending the presence of American forces beyond the end of this year.
Read the story36 minEarly Voting Draws Big Crowds in Key States
Two weeks before the November election, early voting is under way all across the country and it's already providing signs of a record turnout. But it won't be easy. Many states allow early voting, and long lines began forming yesterday in Florida and other key states. In Fayetteville, North Carolina, early voters were heckled on Sunday.
Read the story8 min
