To the Point
The Military and Civilian Challenges in Afghanistan
Should America's "phased withdrawal" begin next month with 3000 troops? Is "counterinsurgency" counterproductive? We look at the President's strategies in Afghanistan.
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenShould America's "phased withdrawal" begin next month with 3000 troops or 15,000? Is "counterinsurgency" counterproductive? We look at success, failure and possible change in the President's military and civilian strategies in Afghanistan. Also, Leon Panetta Discusses Afghanistan and defense spending at his confirmation hearing. On Reporter's Notebook, is healthcare reform on its way to the US Supreme Court?
Banner image: In this photo provided by ISAF Regional Command (South)/US Air Force, U.S. Army Spc. Timothy Leary (L) and John Lombardo (R) provide security while Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul engineers inspect a road project June 9, 2011, in Qalat, Afghanistan. Photo: Sgt. Brian Ferguson/US Air Force via Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesPanetta Discusses Afghanistan, Defense Spending at Confirmation Hearing
CIA Director Leon Panetta told the Senate Armed Services Committee today he'll be a "hands-on manager" if he's confirmed to replace Robert Gates as Secretary of Defense. Mark Thompson is Deputy White House Bureau Chief for Time magazine, covering national security.
Read the story8 minThe Military and Civilian Challenges in Afghanistan
As America's longest war completes its tenth year, President Obama has promised a troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, starting next month. There is heated debate, not just on Capitol Hill but within the Administration , over how many troops should come home and how soon. The cost of keeping 100,000 troops in Afghanistan is $10 billion a month.
Read the story35 minFederal Judges Challenge Constitutionality of the Healthcare Law
There have been 31 separate legal challenges to President Obama's healthcare reform . In five lower-court decisions so far, three judges appointed by Democratic presidents have upheld the law while two Republican appointees have rejected it.
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