To the Point
Religious Violence and Political Turmoil in Pakistan
More US troops will go to Afghanistan, but US diplomacy is focused on that country together with Pakistan. We hear about Pakistan’s deal with Muslim extremists and ask best-selling author Greg Mortenson what he’s telling the US military about the remote provinces of both countries. Also, the President outlines the end to the war in Iraq, and the Obama budget as a massive political gamble.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenMore US troops will go to Afghanistan, but US diplomacy is focused on that country together with Pakistan. We hear about Pakistan’s deal with Muslim extremists and ask best-selling author Greg Mortenson what he’s telling the US military about the remote provinces of both countries. Also, the President outlines the end to the war in Iraq, and Ronald Reagan changed the direction of politics in America. Can Barack Obama do the same?
Banner image: Greg Mortenson with some of his students in Wakhan, Afghanistan
In this episode
3 storiesObama Outlines End to War in Iraq
Today, in his first speech to a military audience, President Obama told Marines at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina that his greatest honor is being their Commander in Chief. Many of them are veterans of more than one tour in Iraq, and he told them the results of his consultations with military commanders.
Read the story6 minReligious Violence and Political Turmoil in Pakistan
President Obama's plan to cut troops in Iraq and beef up forces in Afghanistan can't succeed without neighboring Pakistan. But the world's second largest Muslim nation, a nuclear power, is increasingly unstable, with potentially dangerous consequences for American interests.
Read the story36 minObama's Goes All-in with His Budget
The economic crisis may have increased the American appetite for government intervention, and President Obama’s budget calls for intervention on a massive scale. Will his public support last long enough for him to get it enacted? “Whatever else it is, President Obama’s budget is a political gamble of the first order.”
Read the story7 min
