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Examining Obama's Afghan Speech

President Obama outlines his strategy for Afghanistan at a speech at West Point on Tuesday. Obama will likely face a skeptical audience; support for the war is in decline. Ambassador Wendy Sherman, special adviser to President Clinton, and Michael Gerson, chief speechwriter to President George W. Bush, offer their insight.

Examining Obama's Afghan Speech

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Middle East

Iran Defies West With Plans For New Nuclear Sites

Iran says its decision to build 10 more uranium-enrichment plants is a direct response to an IAEA resolution criticizing Iran for secret nuclear activities. Iran may not have the capacity to carry out the plan, but its announcement has prompted talk of new sanctions.

Iran Defies West With Plans For New Nuclear Sites

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What To Expect From Obama's Afghanistan Address

President Obama delivers his much anticipated address on Afghanistan Tuesday night. NPR senior news analyst Ted Koppel joins Neal Conan for a discussion of what we expect to hear from Obama, and how he'll try to bring the country, Congress and U.S. allies on board.

What To Expect From Obama's Afghanistan Address

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Africa

Justice Oversees Criminal Tribunal For Rwanda

Since 2002, Hassan Bubacar Jallow has served as the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. Justice Jallow talks about his tenure on the court, which has jurisdiction over war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity.

Justice Oversees Criminal Tribunal For Rwanda

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Latin America

Brazilian Middle Class Expands As Economy Surges

Under President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Brazil's economy has surged. His adherence to globalization helped create jobs, and his far-reaching social programs have lowered poverty. Brazilians are more optimistic than ever of breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality that long marked Latin America's biggest country.

Brazilian Middle Class Expands As Economy Surges

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Zardari Called On To Relinquish Powers In Pakistan

There has been a change in Pakistan's nuclear command structure. President Asif Ali Zardari has transferred that command from himself to the prime minister. Zardari has come under pressure to surrender sweeping powers that were put in place by former military ruler Gen. Perez Musharraf. Zardari's popularity has waned and opposition leaders are calling on him to relinquish other powers as well.

Zardari Called On To Relinquish Powers In Pakistan

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Aid To Pakistan Helps U.S. National Security Interests

The Obama administration is expected to report to Congress soon on how it plans to spend billions of dollars in newly-approved aid to Pakistan. Officials say they are hoping to help Pakistanis with basic needs — from energy to clean water. The economic assistance is billed as part of the U.S.'s counter insurgency efforts, and that has some aid workers worried.

Aid To Pakistan Helps U.S. National Security Interests

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As Obama Mulls Afghan Decision, A Look Ahead

President Obama is expected to announce his decision on troop levels in Afghanistan this week. When the president takes the podium at West Point on Tuesday, he'll draw not only from America's experience at war in Afghanistan, but from the Soviet Union's as well. Bruce Riedel of the Brookings Institution talks to guest host Robert Smith about the president's deliberations. Riedel served as a CIA agent in the region under now-Defense Secretary Robert Gates; he also chaired the first Afghan policy review completed this spring

As Obama Mulls Afghan Decision, A Look Ahead

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National

Challenges Remain In Bringing 9/11 Suspects To N.Y.

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four others are set to stand trial in New York City for the Sept. 11 attacks. They will be moved from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan. NPR's counterterrorism correspondent Dina Temple-Raston tells guest host Robert Smith about the challenges in getting the prisoner to the New York courtroom.

Challenges Remain In Bringing 9/11 Suspects To N.Y.

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118 Days In An Iranian Prison

Maziar Bahari, shown in a photo released in August by the semiofficial Iranian Fars News Agency. Hossein Salehi Ara/Fars News Agency/AP hide caption

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Hossein Salehi Ara/Fars News Agency/AP

118 Days In An Iranian Prison

Newsweek reporter and documentary filmmaker Maziar Bahari was accused of being a foreign spy after the disputed presidential elections in Iran.

118 Days In An Iranian Prison

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Africa

Victims Of African Violence Sing For Justice

The International Criminal Court has been actively pursuing cases involving some horrifying human atrocities in East Africa. But many of the victims can only find justice in a song.

Victims Of African Violence Sing For Justice

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Analysis

Week In Review With Daniel Schorr

This week, the president prepared to announce his decision about the U.S. presence in Afghanistan; the IAEA rebuked Iran and the Senate got ready to debate the health care bill. Host Scott Simon reviews the week in the news with NPR Senior News Analyst Daniel Schorr.

Week In Review With Daniel Schorr

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Hopes, Fears For Obama's Afghanistan Decision

On Tuesday, President Obama is scheduled to tell the American people and the world what the U.S. will do in Afghanistan. Reports and speculations abound about what he will say, but the president will probably not be accused of making the decision in haste, as the announcement follows months of meetings and reports. Host Scott Simon speaks with Tom Ricks, senior fellow at the Center for the New American Security.

Hopes, Fears For Obama's Afghanistan Decision

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