To the Point
Obama's 'Kill List' and the Rules of War
President Obama is taking personal responsibility for deciding which terrorist suspect on a so-called "kill list" will live or die. What are the consequences for...
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenPresident Obama is taking personal responsibility for deciding which terrorist suspect on a so-called "kill list" will live or die. His use of drone technology goes well beyond what the Bush Administration even tried. What are the consequences in the law, for morality, international diplomacy and the upcoming election? Also, the SpaceX Dragon capsule returns to Earth, and "Flame," the latest — and biggest — computer virus so far.
Banner image: President Barack Obama listens during one in a series of meetings discussing the mission against Osama bin Laden, in the Situation Room of the White House, May 1, 2011. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
In this episode
3 storiesSpaceX Dragon Capsule Returns to Earth
For the first time in history, a privately built and operated spacecraft has completed its mission. The Dragon capsule produced by Space X splashed down in the Pacific Ocean this morning after last week's rendezvous with the International Space Station. Bill Hennigan is aerospace writer for the Los Angeles Times .
Read the story7 minObama the Warrior in a New Kind of War
Soon after President Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize, he began authorizing the killing of individuals deemed threatening to the United States. Now he presides over regular meetings that determine which terrorist suspects will live or die, along with others who may become "collateral damage."
Read the story38 min'Flame' Computer Virus, a Tool for Espionage
Flame is "pretty fantastic and incredible in its complexity," according to the chief of security at Russia's Kaspersky Lab. The latest virus to turn up in computers around the world can swipe documents, recorded conversations and keystrokes from infected programs, and allow attackers to "tweak the toolkit and add new functionality."
Read the story5 min
