To the Point
Trying to Root Out the Taliban
The US launched a major new offensive in Afghanistan this weekend. But just four days in, questions are already cropping up about the challenges troops face and their odds of long-term success. The mission depends heavily on cooperation from both Afghan forces and the Afghan government. Guest host Chery Glaser learns whether they're up to the job. Also, revving up the debate over nuclear energy, and a bombshell in the world of figure skating.
By Chery Glaser • • 50m ListenThe US launched a major new offensive in Afghanistan this weekend. But just four days in, questions are already cropping up about the challenges troops face and their odds of long-term success. The mission depends heavily on cooperation from both Afghan forces and the Afghan government. Guest host Chery Glaser learns whether they're up to the job. Also, loan guarantees for the first US nuclear plant in 30 years, and 14 years after California voters passed Prop 209, affirmative action is back in the spotlight.
Banner image: Afghan villagers watch as US 4th Infantry Division soldiers patrol at Tag in Laghman. Improvised explosive devices are the biggest threat facing troops engaged in an assault on a Taliban stronghold in southern Afghanistan, military commanders have said. Photo: Kim Hae-Hwan/AFP/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesObama Announces Loan Guarantees for First Nuclear Plant in 30 Years
There has not been a new nuclear power plant built in the US since Ronald Reagan was in office, but it looks as though that's about to change.
Read the story8 minTrying to Root Out the Taliban
In what's being called a major coup in the war against the Taliban, the group's top military commander reportedly has been captured and has spent the past week being interrogated. The New York Times broke the story that Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar was seized in a joint operation of US and Pakistani forces.
Read the story35 minNew Scoring for Figure Skating Gets Mixed Reviews
Last night marked the end of an era, when Chinese teams won both Gold and Silver in Pairs Figure Skating at the Winter Olympics. It's the first time in almost 50 years that Russia or the Soviet Union didn't walk off with the Gold.
Read the story8 min
