Iraq troop surge ends, Afghanistan uncertain
U.S. tank takes up position in Iraqi museum in Baghdad (Image: Yi Jiang, Picasa)
With less violence in Iraq, President Bush is pulling out some Marines but leaving in place almost 140,000 troops. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates says we are at the endgame in Iraq, but the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs says we might not be winning in Afghanistan.
As General David Petraeus completes his tour of duty in Iraq, "To the Point" looks at whether the war reached a turning point, and if the surge worked. Also, will Afghanistan once again become the top priority in the Bush Administration’s war on terror? Will the next president be offered a new set of military options for Iraq and Afghanistan? How will Petraeus’ priorities change when he leaves Iraq and takes over Centcom with responsibility for the entire region?
Guests:
– Shawn Brimley: Fellow, Center for a New American Security
– Linda Robinson: Contributing Editor. "US News and World Report"
– Douglas Macgregor: Advisor to the Starus Military Reform Project, Center for Defense Information
-Nazar Janabi: former official, Iraqi Ministry of Defense
Hosted by award-winning journalist Warren Olney, "To the Point" presents informative and thought-provoking discussion of major news stories — front-page issues that attract a savvy and serious news audience.
The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!