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Back to To the Point

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.

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By Warren Olney • Oct 30, 2007 • 1h 0m Listen

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 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

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    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

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    Frances Anderton

    architecture critic and author

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    Dan Konecky

    Producer, To the Point

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    Karen Radziner

    Managing Producer, To the Point & Which Way LA?

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