New statements from Ground Zero imam Feisel Abdul Rauf suggest he blames the U.S. for problems between Islam and the West, Biden vows U.S. will remain committed to Iraq, federal judge blocks new stem cell rules.
The News
The Stop Iran Summit
Why would a Middle East peace summit make sense right now? Dr. Walid Phares of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies says the reason is probably less about major progress towards a two-state solution and more about building a large Mideast consensus against a nuclear-armed Iran. So which Arab states could be counted on and which ones actually want Iran to get nukes? What leverage do the more reasonable Arab states have in deterring Iranian nukes? We ask Dr. Phares and get his analysis of how well prepared Iraq is to govern and secure itself.
Afghanistan Targeting Christians
Over the past few months, the Afghan government has greatly intensified its pursuit of Christian converts. Afghanistan has never been friendly to Christians, but what’s behind this recent campaign of repression? How the should U.S. react to such policies after nine years of blood and treasure aimed at freeing and building Afghanistan? And why is the U.S. government looking the other way while Afghan Christians are targeted, forced into hiding and killed? We ask World magazine editor Mindy Belz, who just returned from Afghanistan.
The News
The Obama administration will host a Middle East peace summit in less than two weeks, Iran tests missiles as Russia finishes fueling nuclear plants and outrage continues one year after the Lockerbie bomber was freed.
Ground Zero Mosque Protest
On Sunday, opponents of the proposed Islamic cultural center and mosque near Ground Zero will hold a protest designed to increase public opposition to the plan at its current site. So are these protesters opposing the site, the agenda of the head imam or both? Where would they like to see the mosque built? And which side is really the intolerant one? We speak with Hudson Institute President Herb London, a New York City resident and scheduled speaker at Sunday’s rally.
Unsustainable
How much is the U.S. federal debt? Would you believe it’s well over $100 trillion? Why is the real number so much bigger than the official number? How will this impact the fiscal future of our nation? And how much is the very same thing happening at the state and local levels? We discuss it all with James MacDougald, founder of Free Enterprise Nation and author of “Unsustainable: How Big Government, Taxes and Debt are Wrecking America”.
Smoke and Mirrors
You’ve probably seen the television ads featuring Andy Griffith extolling the virtues of Medicare. But Social Security Institute President Dr. Larry Hunter says the ad is a lie and the Obama administration and the AARP are using Griffith to lie to seniors and to distract them. So what are they distracting seniors from hearing? How is Andy Griffith a major tool in getting seniors to ignore major cuts in Medicare? And what’s the truth? We ask Dr. Hunter.
Liberal vs. ‘Real Conservative’
Republicans have a steep hill to climb to take control of the U.S. Senate this November. But one of the GOP’s brightest chances to win a Democratic seat is in Delaware. But will Republican voters nominate moderate-to-liberal Rep. Michael Castle or conservative challenger Christine O’Donnell? Why is O’Donnell challenging the establishment favorite? Why does she say Castle is a reliable liberal vote? And how does she respond to the contention that Castle is the only Republican who can win the general election? We talk with Christine O’Donnell.
The New Greatest Generation
The last combat brigades have left Iraq, more than seven years after the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom. So can we say the U.S. won in Iraq? If so, why did we win? How much confidence should we have in Iraqi security forces to maintain order? Will U.S. forces ever have to return to combat? When will we see a stable Iraqi government in place? We discuss all these questions with South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson, a member of the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees.
Mosque A Losing Issue for Obama
Does the Obama administration regret that the president got entangled in the debate over a new Islamic cultural center/mosque to be built near Ground Zero? Are Republicans going too far in criticizing Obama’s support for the mosque? We ask John Gizzi of Human Events, and we get his thoughts on the possibility of an Israeli strike against Iran and key races in California and Washington.