To the Point
Should America Use 'Soft Power' in the Middle East?
With the US bogged down in Iraq and Afghanistan, even tough-minded conservatives are talking about a new emphasis on "soft power." We talk about what that means and how it could serve America's interests in an increasingly dangerous world. Also, immunity for Blackwater security guards, and the US Supreme Court, the First Amendment and child pornography on the Internet.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenWith the US bogged down in Iraq and Afghanistan, even tough-minded conservatives are talking about a new emphasis on "soft power." We talk about what that means and how it could serve America's interests in an increasingly dangerous world. Also, immunity for Blackwater security guards, and child pornography and the First Amendment were back again today at the US Supreme Court.
Banner image: US Marines walk past the front of the American Embassy in Baghdad. The United States has used the former palace of Saddam Hussein as it's embassy since shortly after the invasion in 2003. A new embassy is currently under construction. Photo: John Moore/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesIraq and State Department at Odds over Contractor Immunity
The Associated Press and several newspapers report that State Department investigators offered immunity to Blackwater security guards in exchange for statements about last month's shootout that left 17 civilians dead on the streets of Baghdad.
Read the story6 minShould America Use 'Soft Power' in the Middle East?
In the aftermath of World War II, the United States was known for generosity to allies and former enemies. Lately, the US is seen as an international bully as President Bush and his neo-conservative advisors project America's "hard power" militarily and economically.
Read the story35 minSupreme Court Takes Up Child Porn Law
In 2002, the US Supreme Court threw out a law against child pornography on the Internet saying it might have covered depictions of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Congress re-wrote the law, which was used to convict Michael Williams of promoting child pornography, on the grounds that it violated the 1st Amendment.
Read the story8 min
