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President Obama Proposes Drawdown in Afghanistan
President Obama says he's begun to wind down the war in Afghanistan. We get the details and the reaction from Washington to South Asia.
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenPresident Obama says he's begun to wind down the war in Afghanistan. We get the details and the reaction from Washington to South Asia. Also, GOP negotiators pull out of budget talks, and the release of Chinese artist and political critic Ai Weiwi.
In this episode
3 storiesGOP Negotiators Pull Out of Budget Talks
Bi-partisan budget talks headed by Vice President Biden lost an important participant today. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor pulled out, saying an impasse over taxes requires that discussions be held at a higher level. Janet Hook is congressional correspondent for the Wall Street Journal .
Read the story7 minPresident Obama Proposes Drawdown in Afghanistan
President Obama says bringing home 30,000 troops from his "surge" before next year's elections is "the beginning, but not the end," of his effort to wind down the war. The Pentagon wanted a slower withdrawal to maintain what commanders concede are "fragile" gains, but 56 percent of Americans have severe "war fatigue."
Read the story36 minChinese Artist Ai Weiwei Released, but Still under Investigation
Chinese artist Ai Weiwei is the highest-profile anti-government critic arrested during a months-long political crackdown. Yesterday he was released after weeks of detention and alleged confession, but told Reuters , "I'm sorry I can't [talk], I am on probation, please understand."
Read the story7 min
