To the Point

Religion and Healing on National Day of Prayer

Even before President Bush declared today a day of prayer and remembrance, Americans began converging on churches, synagogues and mosques to seek solace in the aftermath of Tuesday's awesome tragedy. At the same time, there are widespread reports of insults, threats and vandalism against Muslim Americans. As the US prepares for a new kind of war against enemies thought to be headquartered in the Middle East, we speak with leaders of several faiths about the consoling power of religion and the contradiction when religion is invoked to justify violence. Newsmaker: Latest Recovery Efforts in New York City - In New York City, heavy rain has turned dust into mud and hampered efforts to rescue anyone trapped alive under tons of debris. Andrea Bernstein, who reports for the New York Observer and public radio station WNYC, updates us on changing relief efforts in a city where shock is giving way to grief. Reporter's Notebook: US Prods Pakistan in War on Taliban, Afghanistan and Osama bin Laden Pakistan's President is meeting with his generals in response to US pressure for aid in its war on terrorism. Pakistan maintains contact with the fundamentalist Taliban, which controls neighboring Afghanistan where Osama bin Laden is headquartered. The Far Eastern Economic Review's Ahmed Rashid has reaction from Pakistan. SPECIAL EDITION: Civil Liberties and the War against Terrorism President Bush has promised a "new kind of war" on terrorism and Secretary of State Colin Powell has begun rallying crucial international pledges to support such an effort. At home we may face increased security measures such as identity cards, e-mail surveillance, and public checkpoints. Abroad, our pursuit of Osama bin Laden and those who harbor terrorist groups may challenge international law. How will our struggle to prevent future attacks affect Americans' civil liberties? We ask authorities in intelligence, defense, foreign relations, and first amendment law. (This broadcast is a special second edition of To the Point.) [Guest List & Links] Newsmaker: CNN Poll Show Strong Support For Military Action - A new CNN-Time Magazine poll finds that Americans are angry and ready to fight even if they're not sure whom. CNN's Bill Schneider, one of television's best-known political analysts, attributes increased support of President Bush and that hawkish response to the rallying effect of this week's national crisis. Reporter's Notebook: Sports Stadium Security - In the film Black Sunday, a terrorist tries to hit the Super Bowl with a large bomb. Tuesday, real terrorists used commercial jets to obliterate part of the New York skyline. For the rest of the week, professional sports shut down. Alan Abrahamson, of the Los Angeles Times, expects highly visible security when they reopen.