PodcastDirectory.com's listings of the KCRW's To the Point Podcasts

Recent Security Breaches, Embarrassing or Something More?

When party crashers get into the White House and an airport-screening manual goes on-line, are Americans and their leaders not so safe after all? If the President is perceived to be weak on security, what's the political fallout? Also, Europe will assist poor countries hit by climate change, and American evangelicals and gay-bashing in Africa.

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Not just two but three kinds of countries are negotiating in Copenhagen. There are the rich, the poor and the in-between, like China, India and Brazil ? countries that are becoming major polluters as they fight poverty with increased industrialization. We look at economics, politics and what's called "environmental justice." Also, President Obama meets with "fat cat" bankers, and America's fourth largest city has elected its first lesbian Mayor. In Houston, who cares?

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The Obama Administration is warning of  "home-based terrorism," attacks by American citizens on American soil. How vulnerable are American Muslims to radical propaganda? Is the threat being overstated for political purposes? Also, Illinois will take some Guantánamo detainees, and Copenhagen is waiting? for Barack Obama. 

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Predator drones have become the US weapon of choice in the war againts the Taliban in Afghanistan. Now the Obama Administration will explore expanding their use in Pakistan. Guest hostConan Nolanconsiders the advancing use of such drones, overseas and here at home. Also, Iran tests and upgraded, faster missile, and stunning images of our universe from the Herschel Telescope

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On Tuesday, President Obama was "cautiously optimistic" about his Christmas Eve deadline for healthcare reform from the Senate. Since then, a "kill the bill" movement?s been gaining force among Democrats. We get a progress report.  Also, the US expresses readiness to join $100 billion climate aid fund, and Islamic militants intercept spy videos from Predator drones.

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After some tough talk from President Obama, frenzied negotiations are under way to save the climate change talks from total failure. We get a progress report from Copenhagen and hear what might happen next. Also, climate change and the prospect of mass migration.

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Call them the "missing" stories of 2009, important events that didn?t really register in the mainstream media. From new global alliances to simmering conflicts, guest hostSara Terrylooks at some of the stories that could well be shaping the year ahead. Also, the Senate healthcare bill could be passed by Christmas, and a cleric, a funeral and renewed protests in Iran.

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As a somewhat battered and bruised healthcare reform bill makes its way to what appears to be certain passage in the Senate, critics from both parties are complaining about the bill. What deals did the Democrats make to keep it alive? What battles lie ahead when the House and Senate meet to create the final piece of legislation? Also, airlines will pay for making travelers wait, and cybersecurity at the White House and a possible hacking at Citibank.Sara Terryguest hosts.

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Israel may be on the verge of swapping a thousand Palestinian prisoners for one kidnapped soldier who's become a cause célèbre.  We look at the dilemma faced by right-wing Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and the possible consequences, both good and bad. Also, a new delay in President Obama's plan to close Guantánamo. On Reporter's Notebook, will a Rhodes scholar be the next poster child for the NFL?   

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Congress is one step closer to the biggest expansion of healthcare coverage since Medicare was enacted four decades ago. Can the bill passed by the Senate this morning be merged with the House version? We hear about politics and those devilish details. Also, the real cost of cheap clothes made in Cambodia.  

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Secularism is a defining characteristic of the "Modern: world. So why is there such an increase in religious belief? In this archived segment ofTo the Pointand with two major religions celebrating holidays, we look at faith in America and other parts of the world. Also, a former Marine recalls Christmas in Afghanistan. On Reporter's Notebook, is there a gene for religion?This archived edition ofTo the Pointwas pre-empted by special holiday programming.

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Yesterday, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano was quoted as saying the air-travel security system "worked" to prevent a tragedy on Christmas Day. Today, she said her comment was taken "out of context," and that a lot went wrong. We begin with a discussion on airline security.  Later, the biggest problem for most Americans is still the economy. We hear about the growing numbers, including children, who can't get enough to eat.

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New airline security measures are in effect and old ones are being re-examined in response to the Christmas Day bombing attempt. We hear about new rules, body scanners, behavioral profiling and a new source of potential terrorist bombers, Yemen.  Also, Russian Prime Minister Putin issues a warning on arms talks, and Republicans seize the security issue in an election year.  

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The government of Iran today blamed the US and Europe for growing unrest and staged counter-demonstrations to reassert its authority. What changes might be in store? Does the US have a role? What about the nuclear buildup?  Also, the President acknowledges intelligence warnings about Umar Abdulmutallab, and the President has ordered years of secrets to be revealed. How committed is he to "open government?"

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If the 1900's were "America's Century," the first ten years of the 21st Century may belong to somebody else. Or will a decade of disasters pave the way to recovery in economics, politics, foreign affairs, and national security? We sample some authoritative opinions. Also, Yemen-al Qaeda ties complicate plans for Guantánamo.

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How clean are the "clean" fuels being subsidized by the Obama Administration? Also, Afghanistan and President Obama?s decision on whether to send more American troops.

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In the Middle East, Hillary Clinton has walked into the familiar buzz-saw of Arab-Israeli politics, and Congress is about to condemn the UN's "Goldstone Report." What's happening to President Obama's "new start" with the Muslim world? Also, Afghan President Hamid Karzai takes office, and healthcare reform and "spiritual healing." 

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Republicans took governorships from Democrats in Virginia and New Jersey.  A Democrat took a congressional seat from Republicans in upstate New York.  Maine voters said "no" to same-sex marriage.  What messages?if any--do so-called "off-year elections" carry about national politics? Also, an Italian judge convicts 23 Americans in a renditions case, and Warren Buffett and America?s railroads.

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Nobody doubts that dealing with global warming will be expensive, so supporters of climate change legislation are raising questions of national security.  Is that a diversionary tactic or will climate change increase terrorism, force mass migration and destabilize entire regions? Also, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas threatens to retire. On Reporter's Notebook, we ask the man who ran Barak Obama's "perfect" campaign what happened on Tuesday.

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Two of the biggest issues faced by soldiers and combat veterans are stress and mental health. At Walter Reed Hospital, doctors have enlisted psychiatric service dogs to help treat soldiers suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. What role does man's best friend play in healing? What can be done to catch signs of an impending breakdown before it's too late? Guest hostSara Terrygets an update on yesterday's shootings at Fort Hood, looks at the role stress might have played and learns a ...

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