To the Point
The Iraqi Ceasefire: Winners and Losers
After initiating a week of deadly fighting, Iraq's Prime Minister al-Maliki looks weaker than when it began. The winners appear to include Iran. Also, the Bush Administration loses another cabinet member, proposed financial regulatory reform and a "virtual convention" of Democratic leaders is already under way.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenAfter initiating a week of deadly fighting, Iraq's Prime Minister al-Maliki looks weaker than when it began. The winners appear to include Iran. What happened to what President Bush called "a defining moment?" Is the US being drawn into local conflicts only Iraqis themselves can resolve? Also, the Bush Administration loses another cabinet member, proposed financial regulatory reform and as the Obama-Clinton campaign continues, party leaders are meeting in the modern equivalent of smoke-filled rooms: e-mails and phone calls. You already know what they're talking about.
Banner image: Iraqi Madhi army militiamen dance as they stand near a burning Iraqi army vehicle after attacking it on March 30 in Basra, 370 miles south of Baghdad, Iraq. Radical cleric Moqtada al-Sadr ordered his fighters off the streets and to stop fighting government troops. Iraqi authorities have responded by lifting a three-day curfew across Baghdad. Photo: Khaldoon Zubeir /Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesTreasury Secretary Wants Broad Reforms
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson resigned today . The long-time friend of President Bush faces multiple ethics investigations. No successor has been named. Meantime, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson proposed revamping oversight of the financial system, for the first time since the Great Depression.
Read the story5 minThe Iraqi Ceasefire: Winners and Losers
Baghdad and Basra are calmer now that Muqtada al-Sadr has told his Mahdi Army to stop fighting government forces, but government politicians went to Iran to make the deal. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's surprise offensive has revealed more weakness than strength.
Read the story36 minDemocratic Party Leaders Working for June Solution
Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar today became the second female Senator to endorse Barack Obama . Hillary Clinton has six. Obama says it's alright with him if Clinton stays in the race until the August convention , but many Democrats don’t feel that way. Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen says the super-delegates ought to get together in June.
Read the story7 min
