2003 DECEMBER
Dec. 31, 2003

Campaign Snapshot: Wesley Clark
Former NATO Supreme Commander Wesley Clark speaks to voters in Manchester, N.H., in the latest snapshot of the 2004 presidential candidates on the campaign trial.

  

Dec. 30, 2003

Coming Clean: Background
Now that Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi has consented to opening his borders to U.N. weapons inspectors, the international community has begun to debate who should dismantle the country's weapons of mass destruction.

  

Dec. 30, 2003

Coming Clean
The International Atomic Energy Agency said Tuesday it does not require U.S. help in dismantling Libya's nuclear weapons program. Experts discuss the United States' credibility in doing the job and the IAEA's capability.

  

Dec. 26, 2003

Shields and Brooks
Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks discuss the Democratic candidates, President Bush's approval rating, the war in Iraq and the biggest political surprises of 2003.

  

Dec. 25, 2003

Power Politics
The political battle in states over redrawing congressional districts has reached the courts.

Dec. 24, 2003

Campaign Snapshot: Senator John Kerry
The latest snapshot from the 2004 campaign trail is from Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., who recently spoke to voters in Salem, N.H.

Dec. 22, 2003

Mosque Incident in Jerusalem
Islamic extremists assaulted Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher at the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem. Margaret Warner discusses the motivation for the attack with New York Times correspondent Greg Myre in Jerusalem.

Dec. 22, 2003

Campaign Snapshot: Senator Joe Lieberman
The latest snapshot from 2004 presidential campaign trail is from remarks Sen. Joe Lieberman, D-Conn., made recently to workers at a manufacturing company in Newark, Del.

  

Dec. 19, 2003

Libya Agrees to Give Up WMD
President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair announced Friday that Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi admitted seeking weapons of mass destruction, but would give up those programs and allow international inspectors to enter the country. Jim Lehrer discusses the developments with Terence Taylor.

  

Dec. 19, 2003

Shields and Brooks
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the unexpected news on Libya, the political implications of Saddam Hussein's capture and the federal court rulings against the Bush administration in the war on terror.

  

Dec. 18, 2003

Disengagement Plan
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said, "If in a few months the Palestinians still continue to disregard their part in implementing the road map, then Israel will initiate the unilateral security step of disengagement from the Palestinians." Margaret Warner explores the ramifications of this ultimatum with Middle East experts.

  

Dec. 17, 2003

Campaign Times: The Impact of Saddam Hussein's Capture
Magaret Warner speaks with three New York Times reporters covering the 2004 presidential campaign about the impact of Saddam Hussein's capture on the strategies of the Democratic candidates.

  

Dec. 15, 2003

The Road Ahead in Iraq
As the international community begins to look ahead to the logistics of Saddam Hussein's trial, Margaret Warner and guests explore the impact of his arrest on the U.S.-led occupation of Iraq, and on the broader war on terror.

  

Dec. 15, 2003

Confronting Saddam Hussein
Four leaders of the new Iraq met with Saddam Hussein the day after U.S. forces detained him. One of the leaders describes his conversation with the ousted dictator.

  

Dec. 15, 2003

On the Street: Iraqis' Reaction to the Capture of Saddam Hussein
Terence Smith speaks with Time magazine correspondent Brian Bennett in Baghdad about Iraqis' reaction to the capture of Saddam Hussein.

  

Dec. 15, 2003

Brooks and Oliphant
Jim Lehrer speaks with New York Times columnist David Brooks and Boston Globe columnist Tom Oliphant about the political implications of Saddam Hussein's capture for President Bush and his Democratic detractors.

  

Dec. 12, 2003

New Canadian Leader
Paul Martin succeeded Jean Chretien, who is stepping down after ten years as Canadian prime minister Friday. The change in leadership took place amid increasing tensions between the U.S. and Canada over the war in Iraq, trade and other issues.

  

Dec. 12, 2003

Weekly Analysis of Shields and Brooks
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the 2004 presidential race, allegations that Halliburton overcharged the Army for gasoline and the controversy over the U.S. banning Iraq war opponents from reconstruction contracts.

  

Dec. 11, 2003

Campaign Snapshot: Senator John Edwards
Freshman Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., recently explained to voters in Santa Fe, N.M., why he is ready for a job at the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue.

Dec. 10, 2003

'In an Uncertain World'
Paul Solman speaks with Robert Rubin, former Clinton treasury secretary, about his new book, "In an Uncertain World."

Dec. 10, 2003

Court Upholds Campaign Reform
In a lengthy, multi-part decision, the Supreme Court upheld the major components of the most sweeping campaign finance reform law in nearly 30 years. The Chicago Tribune's Jan Crawford Greenburg outlines the key aspects of the ruling.

  

Dec. 10, 2003

Rebuilding Iraq
The reconstruction of Iraq has also built controversy since the Coalition Provisional Authority forbade countries which did not support the original invasion from bidding on reconstruction contracts. Ray Suarez discusses the appropriations process with Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif. and James Schlesinger.

  

Dec. 10, 2003

Campaign Snapshot: New Hampshire Debate
The eight Democratic presidential candidates debated in Durham, N.H., Tuesday, but it was the endorsement of Howard Dean by former Vice President Al Gore earlier in the day that stole the stage.

Dec. 9, 2003

Background: Big Boost for Howard Dean
Former Vice President Al Gore endorsed Howard Dean for the Democratic presidential nomination.

  

Dec. 9, 2003

Big Boost for Howard Dean
Former Vice President Al Gore endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean Tuesday during an appearance with the former Vermont governor in Harlem. After a recap from New York Times political correspondent Adam Nagourney, two experts assess the impact of Gore's endorsement on the upcoming primaries.

  

Dec. 9, 2003

Straight Talk with China
President Bush met with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao at the White House Tuesday and warned Taiwan not to provoke China by taking steps toward independence. Experts assess the outcome of the meeting and the state of U.S.-China relations.

  

Dec. 8, 2003

Campaign Snapshot: Dick Gephardt
Rep. Dick Gephardt, D-Mo., speaks to voters in Waukee, Iowa, in the latest snapshot from the Democratic presidential campaign trial.

  

Dec. 8, 2003

Background: Big Winner President Vladimir Putin
The United Russia party of President Vladimir Putin won 37 percent of the vote in yesterday's parliamentary elections, more than three times the support of the second-place Communist Party. Simon Marks reports from Moscow.

  

Dec. 8, 2003

Big Winner President Vladimir Putin
The United Russia party of President Vladimir Putin won Sunday's parliamentary election by a large margin, soundly defeating the Communist Party. Regional experts assess the election results and what it portends for Russia's democratic future.

  

Dec. 8, 2003

Medicare Changes
President Bush signed into law Monday a $400 billion, 10-year Medicare bill that will cover the cost of some prescription drugs and allow a larger role for private health insurers. Experts discuss how the massive legislation will impact the lives of senior citizens.

  

Dec. 5, 2003

Newsmaker: King Abdullah
King Abdullah II of Jordan discusses the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the U.S.-led occupation of Iraq and the continued anti-American sentiment in parts much of the Middle East.

  

Dec. 5, 2003

Managing Democracy in Russia
Russian opposition parties are vying to get the 5 percent vote they need to gain a foothold in Sunday's parliamentary elections and forestall what critics call the growing personality cult of President Vladimir Putin. Simon Marks previews the election from Moscow.

  

Dec. 5, 2003

Political Wrap with Mark Shields and David Brooks
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss President Bush's lifting of steel tariffs, Howard Dean's apparently ever-strengthening campaign, and the week's other political developments.

  

Dec. 4, 2003

Campaign Snapshot: Howard Dean
The NewsHour begins a series of snapshots of the 2004 presidential candidates making their case to the voters with excerpts from a recent Howard Dean appearance in Ottumwa, Iowa.

  

Dec. 3, 2003

Mideast Peace Proposal
Former Israeli Justice Minister Yossi Beilin and former Palestinian Information Minister Yasser Abed Rabbo, the principal authors of the Geneva Accord, discuss their draft peace proposal and the diplomatic controversy it has sparked.

  

Dec. 2, 2003

Politics and Religion in Iraq
Iraq's senior Shiite cleric, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, claims the coalition's plan to transfer power does not pay proper heed to Islam. Kwame Holman reviews the role of religion in the governance of Iraq. Then, Jim Lehrer follows up with Juan Cole of the University of Michigan and Gary Sick of Columbia University.

  

NOVEMBER
Nov. 28, 2003

Shields and Brooks
Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks offer their takes on Congress' passage of sweeping Medicare changes, President Bush's surprise visit to Iraq and the week's other political news.

  

Nov. 27, 2003

Rebuilding Iraq
Despite continuing violence and attacks, many humanitarian groups and American agencies have continued the work of trying to rebuild Iraq. Andrew Natsios, the head of U.S. Agency for International Development, outlines the work of his organization to help Iraqis rebuild a nation ravaged by decades of neglect and war.

  

Nov. 26, 2003

Censuring Iran: Background Report
The U.N. International Atomic Energy Agency passed a resolution Wednesday condemning Iran's 18-year cover-up of its nuclear program but applauding the country's new cooperation.

  

Nov. 26, 2003

Censuring Iran
The U.N. International Atomic Energy Agency passed a resolution Wednesday condemning Iran's 18-year cover-up of its nuclear program but applauding the country's new efforts at openness and cooperation. Ray Suarez gets perspective on the resolution and Iran's nuclear ambitions from experts.

  

Nov. 25, 2003

Rx for Medicare
The Senate voted 54-44 Tuesday to approve a $400 billion Medicare reform bill that will give seniors access to prescription drug benefits and increase the roll of private health plans. Two policy analysts discuss the newly passed Medicare bill and its implications for both Medicare beneficiaries and the program itself.

  

Nov. 25, 2003

Battle in New Hampshire
Gwen Ifill traveled to New Hampshire to preview the competition between Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., and former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean in the first presidential primary.

  

Nov. 24, 2003

Rx for Medicare: Background
The first overhaul of Medicare was approved by the House of Representatives on Saturday and seems poised to the pass in the Senate. Kwame Holman reports on the contentious debate.

  

Nov. 24, 2003

Rx for Medicare
The House of Representatives approved the first overhaul of Medicare on Saturday, narrowly passing the bill on to the Senate. Among other proposed reforms, the overhaul would add prescription drug coverage and introduce more competition from private health plans.

  

Nov. 24, 2003

Peaceful Revolution in Georgia
A peaceful coup removed Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze from power Sunday, ending three weeks of protests over disputed election results. Following a background report, two experts discuss the reasons for Shevardnadze's removal, and what it portends for Georgia's political future.

  

Nov. 21, 2003

Bush and Blair: Friendly Farewell
Continued attacks in Turkey and Iraq overshadowed the upbeat mood of President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair's trip to the English countryside. Terence Smith reports on the meeting between the two allies.

Nov. 21, 2003

Shields and Brooks
Columnists Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss President Bush's trip to Britain, same-sex marriage laws, the debate over Medicare, and the anniversary of the Kennedy assasination.

  

Nov. 20, 2003

Bush and Blair: Shoulder to Shoulder
President Bush met with British Prime Minister Tony Blair in London today, and they once again defended their decision to invade Iraq. Ray Suarez reports on how these leaders' alliance has weathered the war and its aftermath.

Nov. 20, 2003

Battle in Iowa
Margaret Warner begins a series of reports on the Democratic front-runners in the early contests with a look at the duel between Howard Dean and Richard Gephardt in Iowa.

  

Nov. 19, 2003

Power Politics
Energy was also the main subject in the Senate today, where formal debate began over the Republican-sponsored energy reform bill. Kwame Holman reports on the power politics at play.

  

Nov. 19, 2003

Newsmaker: Spencer Abraham
Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham discusses the initial findings of a U.S.-Canadian task force that has been investigating the massive electricity blackout on August 14. He also explains how measures in the energy bill being considered in the Senate would help prevent future blackouts.

  

Nov. 18, 2003

Mutual Fund Fraud
Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan and Treasury Secretary John Snow cautioned that bipartisan bills to overhaul the $7 trillion mutual fund industry may cost investors more in fees and diminished returns. Kwame Holman updates the debate over the proposed reforms.

Nov. 18, 2003

View from Berlin
German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer outlines his country's policies for postwar Iraq and his views on the status of U.S. - German relations.

  

Nov. 17, 2003

Energy Deal
The House and Senate are nearing completion of a comprehensive energy bill. Two members of the energy conference committee, Reps. Joe Barton (R-Texas) and Edward Markey (D-Mass.), present drastically different viewpoints of the bill.

  

Nov. 17, 2003

Tough Choices for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
Spencer Michels reports on the tough decisions newly sworn-in Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger must make when trying to balance California's budget.

  

Nov. 17, 2003

Ins and Outs
Essayist Roger Rosenblatt discusses the inside advantage of claiming to be an outsider in American politics.

Nov. 14, 2003

No Comity
Kwame Holman reports on the two-day Senate talkathon and the ongoing acrimony over the Democrats' filibusters of conservative Bush judicial nominees.

Nov. 14, 2003

The Political Analysis of Brooks and Oliphant
New York Times columnist David Brooks and Boston Globe columnist Tom Oliphant discuss the Senate's marathon debate over judicial nominees, President Bush's new Iraq policy, and developments in the campaigns of the Democratic presidential front-runner candidates.

  

Nov. 14, 2003

Iraqification
The Bush administration has spoken openly -- though with little detail -- of its intention to hasten the transfer of political power to Iraqis. Ray Suarez discusses the merits and risks of the transition with Sam Kubba of the Iraqi National Movement and Feisal Istrabadi of the Iraqi Forum for Democracy.

  

Nov. 13, 2003

No Comity
Kwame Holman updates the marathon debate session in the Senate on judicial nominees.

  

Nov. 13, 2003

Background: Iraq Self-Rule
Several senior Bush administration officials spoke today about their plans for the future of Iraq.

  

Nov. 13, 2003

Iraq Self-Rule
U.S. officials said Thursday they are looking to accelerate the creation of a new government in Iraq. Jim Lehrer speaks to the leaders of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee about the strategy.

  

Nov. 12, 2003

Campaign Times: Howard Dean Won Endorsements
Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean won endorsements from two of the nation's largest labor unions, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and the Service Employees International Union. Margaret Warner examines the significance of the unions' support for Dean's campaign.

  

Nov. 12, 2003

Background: No Comity Tonight
Senate Republicans Wednesday scheduled a 30-hour marathon debate session to blast Senate Democrats for blocking four of President Bush's judicial nominees for the federal bench.

  

Nov. 12, 2003

No Comity Tonight
Senate Republicans Wednesday scheduled a 30-hour marathon debate session to blast Senate Democrats for blocking four of President Bush's judicial nominees for the federal bench. Gwen Ifill discusses the ongoing battle over judicial nominees and the GOP's standoff strategy with former senators.

  

Nov. 11, 2003

Shifting the Burden to the Iraqi Governing Council
In a speech Tuesday, President Bush discussed his strategy in transferring additional authority to the Iraqi Governing Council by training more Iraqi soldiers to provide security in that country. Jim Lehrer discusses the pros and cons of so-called "Iraqification" with two security and defense experts.

  

Nov. 11, 2003

Making History in Louisiana: Runoff Election
A runoff election in the Louisiana gubernatorial race pit Democratic Lt. Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, a sixth-generation Cajun woman, against Republican Bobby Jindal, a political novice of Indian heritage. Betty Ann Bower reports on the history-making race.

  

Nov. 10, 2003

Money and Politics: Howard Dean
Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean announced Saturday that he would forgo public matching funds for his 2004 presidential campaign, becoming the first Democrat to opt out of the presidential public financing system in 30 years. Experts discuss Dean's decision and its possible ramifications for the future of campaign financing.

  

Nov. 10, 2003

Saudi Bombing: Background
At least 17 people died and more than 120 were injured Saturday in a suicide car bomb attack in the Saudi capital of Riyadh. Ray Suarez reports.

Nov. 10, 2003

Saudi Bombing
At least 17 people died and more than 120 were injured Saturday in a suicide car bomb attack in the Saudi capital of Riyadh. Experts discuss the bombing, believed to be the work of al-Qaida terrorists, and how it could affect Saudi efforts to combat terror.

  

Nov. 7, 2003

Middle East Democracy
President Bush Thursday called for democratic reforms in the Middle East. During a speech in Washington, the president said Western governments should not back undemocratic regimes in the region. Margaret Warner discusses his remarks with two Arab scholars.

  

Nov. 7, 2003

Shields and Safire
Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and William Safire of The New York Times discuss former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean's comments about the Confederate flag at a recent Democratic candidate's debate and other developments on the campaign trail.

  

Nov. 6, 2003

Divided Nation
A recent survey by the Pew Research Center suggests that Americans are evenly divided but increasingly polarized over political issues, including Iraq. Margaret Warner and experts discuss what the survey results mean for the presidential campaigns and the 2004 election.

  

Nov. 6, 2003

Newsmaker: Senator John McCain
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) speaks with Jim Lehrer about recent statements he made criticizing American foreign policy in Iraq and Russia. The onetime Vietnam POW draws comparisons between the reduction of U.S. troop levels in Iraq and the United States' defeat and retreat from Vietnam three decades ago.

  

Nov. 6, 2003

Divided Nation: Background Report
The most recent survey by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press suggests that Americans are evenly divided but increasingly polarized over political issues. Ray Suarez speaks with Andrew Kohut, Pew Center director.

  

Nov. 6, 2003

Divided Nation
A recent survey by the Pew Research Center suggests that Americans are evenly divided but increasingly polarized over political issues, including Iraq. Margaret Warner and experts discuss what the survey results mean for the presidential campaigns and the 2004 election.

  

Nov. 5, 2003

Democratic Debate
Democratic presidential front-runner Howard Dean told supporters, "I regret the pain that I may have caused either to African Americans or Southern white voters." Dean was defending a previous statement he had made that the Democratic Party must court white Southerners who display the Confederate flag on their pickup trucks.

  

Nov. 5, 2003

Race, Class and Politics
Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean drew criticism from fellow Democratic presidential candidates when he said the party should reach out to southern men who display the Confederate flag. He later apologized to those who may have been offended by his comments. Two political writers analyze the implications of the incident.

  

Nov. 4, 2003

Paying for the Peace in Iraq
A recent report from a government watchdog group, the Center for Public Integrity, suggests insider connections may have influenced the Bush administration's method of awarding contracts for postwar Iraq's rebuilding. Experts debate the meaning of the report's findings.

  

Nov. 3, 2003

Mutual Fund Hearing
On Capitol Hill, senators criticized the Securities and Exchange Commission for its failure to detect abuses in the $7 trillion industry earlier. Kwame Holman reports on the hearing on the Hill.

OCTOBER
Oct. 31, 2003

Weekly Analysis with Shields and Safire
Political analysts Mark Shields and William Safire discuss the week's events, including the optimistic news about the U.S. economy and President Bush's postwar policy in Iraq.

  

Oct. 30, 2003

Saving the Forests
The Senate is poised to pass a bill which would approve more extensive logging on more than 20 million acres of federal forests. The House of Representatives is considering legislation that would devote a record $2.9 billion for firefighting and proactive programs to reduce fire risks. Kwame Holman reports.

Oct. 30, 2003

Newsmaker: Wesley Clark
Democratic presidential candidate and retired four-star Gen. Wesley Clark discusses key issues in the upcoming race for the White House, including the impact of tax cuts on the economy and strategies for postwar reconstruction in Iraq.

  

Oct. 29, 2003

Ethiopia
Betty Ann Bowser reports on the desperate situation in Ethiopia, and efforts to mitigate the effects of famine.

  

Oct. 28, 2003

Life in the New Iraq
Following Bush administration criticism that the media is only covering bomb attacks and other violence in Iraq, correspondent Simon Marks visits hospitals, schools, markets and even a race track in Baghdad to find out how life has changed since the fall of Saddam Hussein.

  

Oct. 27, 2003

Democratic Debate Face-off
The nine Democrats in contention for their party's 2004 presidential nomination met at a debate in Detroit last night sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus Institute and Fox News Channel. Gwen Ifill, who moderated the debate, reviews the highlights.

Oct. 24, 2003

Weekly Analysis with Shields and Safire
Political analysts Mark Shields and William Safire discuss the week's news, including controversy over a memo written by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, criticism over religious statements made by a top U.S. military official and the debate over prescription drug reform.

  

Oct. 23, 2003

Rx for Medicare
After missing a self-imposed Oct. 17 deadline, congressional conferees continue to work toward a compromise Medicare bill that would provide a prescription drug benefit. Susan Dentzer talks to Terence Smith about the status the negotiations.

Oct. 23, 2003

Australia: Ally Down Under
President Bush finished his week-long trip to the Far East with a visit to the United States' closest ally south of the equator, Australia. Experts assess the impact of the trip.

  

Oct. 20, 2003

Middle East Peace Plan
As the U.S.-backed "road map" to peace in the Middle East hits ever more roadblocks, two Israeli and Palestinian former officials have proposed a new plan, called "The People's Voice." It has already gained 120,000 signatures for its two-state solution, respecting the boundaries before the 1967 Arab-Israeli War.

  

Oct. 20, 2003

Middle East Peace Plan
As the U.S.-backed "road map" to peace in the Middle East hits ever more roadblocks, two Israeli and Palestinian former officials have proposed a new plan, called "The People's Voice." It has already gained 120,000 signatures for its two-state solution, respecting the boundaries before the 1967 Arab-Israeli War.

  

Oct. 20, 2003

Campaign 'Times'
The first competition between the candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination will go uncontested by two top contenders. Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D-Conn.) and retired U.S. Army Gen. Wesley Clark both decided to forgo the January Iowa caucus and instead focus their campaigns on New Hampshire and South Carolina.

  

Oct. 17, 2003

Paying for Peace in Iraq
The Senate provided a setback for the administration's Iraq reconstruction plan when it approved an amendment that would require the Iraqi government to repay $10 billion of the $20 billion reconstruction grant. The House cleared a bill, which would give the entire $20 billion to Iraq as a grant. Kwame Holman reports.

  

Oct. 17, 2003

Weekly Analysis with Shields and Safire
Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and conservative columnist William Safire of The New York Times discuss the appropriations bill for Iraqi reconstruction, and the United Nations' unanimous approval of the U.S.-backed postwar resolution.

  

Oct. 15, 2003

Gaza Attack
A roadside bomb ripped through an armored van in the Gaza Strip Wednesday, killing three Americans traveling through the area in a U.S. diplomatic convoy. New York Times reporter John Burns discusses the attack and the situation on the ground in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from his perspective in Jerusalem.

  

Oct. 15, 2003

Campaign 'Times'
Money is the lifeblood of the modern American political campaign, and is the deadline for President Bush and his nine Democratic opponents to submit their third-quarter fundraising reports to the Federal Election Commission. Margaret Warner crunches the latest numbers with two New York Times reporters.

Oct. 13, 2003

The Right Talk: Conservative Talk Radio
Terence Smith explores the success of conservative talk radio shows and the failure of liberal programs, and talk radio's increasing importance in politics.

  

Oct. 10, 2003

Democratic Face-off
One year after the House of Representatives voted to authorize President Bush to wage war against Iraq, the nine Democrats who seek to replace him took aim at the president's war strategy during a debate in Phoenix last night.

Oct. 10, 2003

Political Analysis with Shields and Safire
Jim Lehrer talks to syndicated columnist Mark Shields and William Safire of The New York Times about the Democratic debate, the election of Arnold Schwarzenegger as California's governor and recent developments in the Bush administration's Iraq policy.

  

Oct. 9, 2003

Paying to Rebuild in Iraq
President Bush's request for additional funding for the United States' postwar presence in Iraq and Afghanistan cleared another congressional hurdle today. Kwame Holman reports on the latest from Capitol Hill.

Oct. 8, 2003

Paying to Rebuild Iraq
Kwame Holman updates the appropriations debate over the $87 billion the Bush administration has requested to fund reconstruction in postwar Iraq.

Oct. 8, 2003

California Voters
Results in California were driven by a healthy voter turnout and a distinct distaste for the man in office. However, there was a lot more at play in this election, which elevated a novice politician with celebrity credentials to the highest office in the most populous state. Gwen Ifill follows up.

Oct. 8, 2003

California in Context
California voters Tuesday ousted Democrat Gray Davis in favor of Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger to serve as governor. Jim Lehrer explores the implications of the recall effort with: Democratic San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown and former Los Angeles mayor and Schwarzenegger adviser Republican Richard Riordan.

  

Oct. 8, 2003

California Political Quake
In an emphatic electoral statement, Californian voters recalled Gov. Gray Davis and selected Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger to succeed him. Jeffrey Kaye of KCET in Los Angeles reports on the recall fallout.

Oct. 7, 2003

California Recall Election
Californians vote today in a unique election that asks whether they want to recall their recently reelected governor, Gray Davis, and if so, who should replace him. Spencer Michels covers the latest developments.

  

Oct. 7, 2003

2004 Presidential Campaign
The field of Democrats vying to replace President Bush shrank by one last night, when Sen. Bob Graham (D-Fla.) announced he would withdraw his candidacy. Margaret Warner discusses this decision and its impact on the election with Adam Nagourney, the chief political reporter for The New York Times.

Oct. 6, 2003

Israeli Military Strikes Syria
The Israeli military bombed what it says was a terrorist training camp inside Syria on Sunday, following a suicide attack on a Haifa restaurant that killed 19 civilians. Experts discuss Syrian-Israeli relations in the aftermath of the fresh violence.

  

Oct. 6, 2003

Renewed Violence
The Israeli military bombed what it says was a terrorist training camp inside Syria on Sunday, following a suicide attack on a Haifa restaurant that killed 19 civilians. Experts discuss Syrian-Israeli relations in the aftermath of the fresh violence.

  

Oct. 6, 2003

California Gubernatorial Recall Election Eve
Spencer Michels offers an update on the California gubernatorial recall election on the eve of the historic vote.

  

Oct. 3, 2003

California Recall Revelations
Two California columnists examine how the sexual misconduct allegations may effect Republican candidate Arnold Schwarzenegger's chances in winning the gubernatorial recall race.

  

Oct. 3, 2003

Weekly Analysis with Shields and Safire
Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and William Safire of The New York Times discuss the week's news, including the search for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, the latest poll numbers on the public satisfaction with President Bush, and the investigation into the alleged leak of a CIA agent's identity.

  

Oct. 3, 2003

California Recall Revelations
The California gubernatorial recall election enters its final days with incumbent Gov. Gray Davis trailing Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger in recent polls. Terence Smith follows up in a conversation with columnists Debra Saunders of the San Francisco Chronicle and Robert Scheer of the Los Angeles Times.

  

Oct. 3, 2003

Election Offers Little Hope for Increased Stability in Chechnya
Voters in the troubled Russian republic of Chechnya go to the polls Sunday to choose a president, the outcome of which is widely expected to confirm Kremlin-backed Akhmad Kadyrov as the region's next leader.

Oct. 2, 2003

Where are the Weapons?
Ray Suarez follows up on the Kay testimony with two members of the House Intelligence Committee: Reps. Peter Hoekstra (R-Mich.) and Rush Holt (D-N.J.).

  

Oct. 2, 2003

Newsmaker: David Kay
David Kay, the lead CIA investigator into weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, briefed House and Senate Intelligence committees today about his interim findings. Jim Lehrer speaks with Kay about his testimony on Capitol Hill.

  

Oct. 1, 2003

The Cost of Peace in Iraq
The Senate Appropriations Committee sent President Bush's $87 billion emergency spending bill to the Senate floor. Kwame Holman reports on the Capitol Hill debate over aid for Iraq.

SEPTEMBER
Sept. 29, 2003

Economic Woes in California
Jeffrey Kaye of KCET Los Angeles reports on the economic strain behind the California recall election.

  

Sept. 29, 2003

Changing Partnership in Russia: Background Report
President Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin met at Camp David over the weekend.

Sept. 29, 2003

Changing Partnership in Russia
U.S. President George Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin met over the weekend at Camp David to discuss postwar Iraq and nuclear programs in North Korea and Iran. Two regional experts provide their perspectives on the changes in U.S.-Russian relations.

  

Sept. 26, 2003

Political Analysis with Mark Shields and William Safire
Jim Lehrer and political analysts Mark Shields and William Safire discuss Thursday's Democratic debate, the California recall and other highlights in the week's political developments.

  

Sept. 25, 2003

California Recall
The major candidates in the California recall race met for a debate. Spencer Michels presents an election update.

  

Sept. 24, 2003

Hard Questions
Members of the Bush administration lobbied on Capitol Hill for $87 billion to aid reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Kwame Holman narrates the various testimonies.

Sept. 24, 2003

California Dreaming: The Recall Election
Essayist Richard Rodriguez considers the recall election in California.

Sept. 24, 2003

General Wesley Clark: The Clark Effect
Former Gen. Wesley Clark joined the 2004 Democratic presidential race just a week ago, but his candidacy immediately changed the dynamics of the campaign. The New York Times' chief political reporter discusses how Clark will impact the race for the White House.

  

Sept. 23, 2003

The California Recall Election: When to Vote
A federal appeals court ruled today that the California recall election will take place on Oct. 7. Jim Lehrer gets details on the decision from Dean Murphy of The New York Times.

  

Sept. 22, 2003

When to Vote
Spencer Michels reports from California, where members of the ACLU and representatives of the state made arguments for and against the recall election delay. Gwen Ifill gets perspective from two legal experts following the courts in California.

  

Sept. 22, 2003

Weapons Search: Rolf Ekeus, U.N. Weapons Inspector in Iraq
Rolf Ekeus, a United Nations weapons inspector in Iraq from 1991 to 1997, offers his views on the continuing failure to find banned weapons in Iraq.

  

Sept. 19, 2003

Political Analysis with Mark Shields and William Safire
Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and William Safire of The New York Times discuss the rising criticism of President Bush's Iraq policies and the Democratic candidates for the 2004 presidential election.

  

Sept. 17, 2003

Retired Army Gen. Wesley Clark: Campaign 'Times'
Retired Army Gen. Wesley Clark announced his candidacy in the race for president. Gwen Ifill discusses his late entry in an already crowded field of Democratic candidates with Katherine Seelye of The New York Times.

  

Sept. 15, 2003

High-Tech Voting
In the California recall case, the American Civil Liberties Union successfully argued that the state's voting machines are prone to error. Spencer Michels reports on the computer system that will replace punch cards during the next election.

  

Sept. 15, 2003

The California Recall Election
A federal appeals court in California has postponed the Oct. 7 gubernatorial recall election. Legal experts discuss the ramifications of this ruling on the candidates and the election.

  

Sept. 12, 2003

Political Analysis with Mark Shields and William Safire
Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and William Safire of The New York Times discuss the cost of rebuilding Iraq and how Democratic presidential contender Howard Dean stacks up.

  

Sept. 10, 2003

Face-off: Democratic Debate
The Democratic presidential candidates fielded questions of particular interest to African-American voters at last night's debate. Kwame Holman reports with highlights.

Sept. 9, 2003

Henry Kissinger and 'Crisis'
Jim Lehrer talks with former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger about his new book "Crisis: The Anatomy of Two Major Foreign Policy Crises."

  

Sept. 8, 2003

Campaign Finance Law
During an unusual late-summer session, the Supreme Court heard a challenge to campaign finance laws that were put into place in 2002. Jeffrey Brown discusses the case and arguments with Jan Crawford Greenburg, Supreme Court reporter for The Chicago Tribune.

  

Sept. 8, 2003

Background: A Heavy Burden
President Bush will ask Congress for $87 billion for military and intelligence operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Sept. 8, 2003

A Heavy Burden
President Bush will ask Congress for $87 billion for military and intelligence operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Jim Lehrer gets reaction to the president's Sunday night address from two members of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

  

Sept. 8, 2003

Iraq: Reading the Road Map
Mahmoud Abbas resigned after four months as Palestinian prime minister. Terence Smith discusses what lies ahead for the "road map" with Martin Indyk and William Quandt

  

Sept. 7, 2003

Campaign Finance Law Faces Critical Test in Supreme Court
The legalities of political campaign fundraising will be examined during a one-day September session of the Supreme Court on Monday, when the court hears arguments challenging the constitutionality of recently passed campaign finance legislation.

Sept. 7, 2003

President Bush Addresses the Nation
The following is the entire text of President Bush's address to the nation defining Iraq as the "central front" in the global war on terrorism and asking Congress for an additional $87 billion to fund U.S. military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

  

Sept. 6, 2003

Palestinian PM Abbas Resigns; Hamas Founder Wounded in Strike
Just days after asking the Palestinian Legislative Council for more authority to negotiate with Israel and the U.S., Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas resigned his post Saturday.

Sept. 5, 2003

Candidates Face Off in New Mexico
Ray Suarez co-moderated last night's Democratic presidential candidate debate. The candidates fielded questions on the United States' role in Iraq, American unemployment numbers and President Bush's tax cuts.

Sept. 5, 2003

Shields and Brooks
Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and David Brooks of the New York Times discuss the dispute over whether to involve the U.N. in Iraq and the first Democratic presidential debate.

  

Sept. 4, 2003

Why the Lights Went Out
A congressional panel continued to investigate the cause of August's sweeping blackout. Kwame Holman reports.

Sept. 4, 2003

Estrada Withdraws
Judicial nominee Miguel Estrada withdrew his name Thursday after two years of failed attempts to obtain Senate approval. Jim Lehrer speaks with Senate Judiciary Committee members Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) and Charles Schumer (D-NY).

  

Sept. 4, 2003

Election 2004: Wooing Hispanics
Democratic presidential candidates addressed Latino issues at a debate Thursday night in Albuquerque, N.M. Terence Smith discusses the growing importance of the Latino vote in American politics with pollsters Leslie Sanchez and Maria Cardona.

  

Sept. 4, 2003

California Recall
Five candidates for California governor participated in the first debate yesterday, while Gov. Gray Davis held a separate question-and-answer session. Spencer Michels highlights some of the responses.

  

Sept. 3, 2003

Why the Lights Went Out
Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham promised to find the source of last month's sweeping power outages. Kwame Holman reports on the energy hearing in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Sept. 3, 2003

Background: Changing Course in Iraq
Secretary of State Colin Powell said that the United States supports a bigger role for the United Nations in Iraq.

Sept. 3, 2003

Changing Course in Iraq
Secretary of State Colin Powell announced Wednesday that the United States supports a bigger role for the United Nations in Iraq, signaling a shift in U.S. policy. Experts discuss this development.

  

Sept. 1, 2003

Overtime Rules: Background
The Labor Department is proposing a change to the rules governing eligibility for overtime pay. Jeffrey Brown reports.

Sept. 1, 2003

Overtime Rules
The Labor Department is proposing the most dramatic changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act in 65 years. The changes would raise the minimum amount people can earn and still be paid overtime but would also allow companies to stop paying overtime for some workers who are currently eligible.

  

AUGUST
Aug. 29, 2003

California Recall
Spencer Michels provides an update on the efforts to recall Gov. Gray Davis and the hundreds of candidates who hope to replace him.

  

Aug. 29, 2003

Brooks and Oliphant
David Brooks of the Weekly Standard and Tom Oliphant of the Boston Globe discuss the week's events.

  

Aug. 28, 2003

Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Remembered
A panel of historians and activists reflect on the historic 1963 March on Washington and the enduring significance of Martin Luther King Jr.'s rousing "I have a dream" speech.

  

Aug. 26, 2003

Iraq: The After War
In a speech Tuesday, President Bush defended the mission in Iraq as a critical component in the global war on terrorism. Two U.S. Senators who have traveled to Iraq offer perspective on the postwar situation and U.S. foreign policy.

  

Aug. 22, 2003

Oliphant and York
Political analysts Tom Oliphant of The Boston Globe and Byron York of the National Review discuss the week's news, including how the Bush administration is faring on domestic issues in the face of continuing developments in Iraq and the latest on the California recall election.

  

Aug. 21, 2003

Background: Cease-Fire Collapses
Secretary of State Colin Powell called upon the international community to reinforce the "road map to peace" despite recent violence in the Middle East.

Aug. 21, 2003

Cease-Fire Collapses
Israeli and Palestinian advocates discuss the impacts of the Jerusalem bus bombing and subsequent killing of a senior Hamas leader on the struggle for peace in the Middle East.

  

Aug. 20, 2003

Mideast Violence: Background
A Palestinian suicide attacker killed himself and at least 18 others on a double-length bus in Jerusalem. Kwame Holman reports on the latest developments.

Aug. 20, 2003

More Violence in the Mideast
Analysts examine the state of the peace process in the Middle East after a Palestinian suicide attacker killed himself and at least 19 others Tuesday on a bus in Jerusalem.

  

Aug. 18, 2003

U.N. Debates Libya Sanctions
As Libya accepts responsibility for the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, the United Nations debates lifting sanctions against the country. Experts assess how an end to sweeping economic sanctions could affect Libya.

  

Aug. 18, 2003

California Recall Chaos
Essayist Anne Taylor Fleming considers the California recall race.

Aug. 15, 2003

Political Analysis by Shields and York
Columnists Mark Shields and Byron York discuss the week's news, including the blackout and the California recall.

  

Aug. 11, 2003

Crowded Field: California's Recall Election
With the deadline for registering in California's recall election passed, nearly 200 candidates have declared their intent to replace Governor Gray Davis. Jeffrey Kaye of KCET Los Angeles looks at the range of candidates and campaigns in the election.

  

Aug. 8, 2003

Democratic Candidates
Betty Ann Bowser reports on the recent appearances made by the nine Democratic presidential candidates and former Vice President Al Gore.

  

Aug. 8, 2003

Shields and Brooks: Democratic Presidential Candidates
Columnists Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the crop of Democratic presidential candidates, next year's presidential election and former Vice President Al Gore's recent criticism of President Bush.

  

Aug. 8, 2003

Shields and Brooks: The Week's Political Developments
Ray Suarez discusses the week's political developments with syndicated columnist Mark Shields and The Weekly Standard's David Brooks.

  

Aug. 7, 2003

California Recall
A growing field of potential candidates is emerging to unseat California Governor Gray Davis in an October 7 recall election, including actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante and columnist Arianna Huffington. Two former California governors offer perspective on the recall process.

  

Aug. 1, 2003

Rush to Recess
The U.S. Senate shut down for the summer. Kwame Holman reports on the rush to finish legislative business ahead of the August recess.

Aug. 1, 2003

Shields and Brooks
Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and The Weekly Standard's David Brooks discuss the latest flap over judicial nominations, President Bush's press conference and the slight drop in the president's approval ratings.

  

JULY
July 31, 2003

After the War in Bosnia
A look at postwar Bosnia as survivors attempt to rebuild their homes, families struggle to search for their dead and authorities attempt to bring to justice those responsible for widespread ethnic cleansing.

  

July 30, 2003

Candidates' Rx: Senator John Edwards on Health Care
Terence Smith speaks with Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina about his plans for the nation's health care.

  

July 25, 2003

Importing Drugs
Last night the House of Representatives approved a bill allowing Americans to purchase drugs imported from approved industrialized countries. Susan Dentzer reports on passage of the bill and its chances of being enacted into law.

  

July 25, 2003

Head Start
The House of Representatives approved Head Start for another five years but shifted some of the program's control to the states. Margaret Warner discusses the bill with Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, chairman of the House Education and Workforce Committee, and Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., the ranking Democrat on the committee.

July 25, 2003

Shields and Brooks
Analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss U.S. efforts to stop the guerilla-style attacks on coalition troops in Iraq, the recall vote of Gov. Gray Davis in California, and the partisan bickering in Congress that culminated this week with a tearful apology from House Ways and Means Committee Chair Rep. Bill Thomas.

  

July 24, 2003

Lessons Learned: Prewar Intelligence on Iraq
The House Intelligence Committee held the first in a series of open hearings to examine prewar intelligence on Iraq. Kwame Holman reports on the day's hearing.

  

July 24, 2003

September 11 Intelligence Failures
The House and Senate Intelligence committees concluded that there was no single piece of evidence that could have prevented the Sept. 11 attacks. Margaret Warner discusses the findings with two members of the joint panel: Sen. Bob Graham, D-Fla., and Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala.

  

July 24, 2003

California Recall: Governor Gray Davis
California officials set Oct. 7 as the date for a special ballot to decide whether to unseat Governor Gray Davis. After a report from Spencer Michels, Gwen Ifill discusses the impending recall vote with two veterans of California politics.

  

July 23, 2003

Bench Battle: William Pryor
Democrats objected to another federal judicial nominee put forward by President Bush. Kwame Holman reports on the debate in the Senate.

  

July 18, 2003

Fighting Words in Congress
Kwame Holman reports on partisan wrangling in Congress over the $50 billion pension bill passed after a partisan fight that culminated with Republicans calling the police.

  

July 18, 2003

Reasons for the War with Iraq
Two members of the Senate Intelligence Committee discuss the controversy over the Bush administration's prewar intelligence on Iraq's weapons program and its decision to release previously classified information to justify its case for going to war with Iraq.

  

July 18, 2003

Background: Reasons for the War with Iraq
The White House released excerpts from a classified October 2002 intelligence document that cited "compelling evidence" that Iraq was trying to reconstitute its nuclear program. Margaret Warner discusses today's White House release of previously classified information with New York Times reporter David Sanger.

  

July 18, 2003

The Political Analysis of Brooks and Oliphant
David Brooks of The Weekly Standard and Tom Oliphant of The Boston Globe discuss the White House's prewar intelligence used to justify the Iraq war, and the potential impact of the deficit on the 2004 elections.

  

July 16, 2003

Rationale for War in Iraq
As questions continue to surface about the reliability of prewar U.S. intelligence on Iraq, George Tenet appeared before the Senate Intelligence Committee. Two experts discuss the Bush administration's case for the war in Iraq, its postwar planning and the challenges involved in balancing intelligence and foreign policy.

  

July 14, 2003

First Steps for the Iraqi Governing Council
The U.S.-appointed Iraqi governing council held its inaugural meeting Sunday. Ray Suarez discusses the group's significance and the challenges it faces with Adeed Dawisha and Edmund Ghareeb.

  

July 14, 2003

Redistricting Tussle In Texas
Tom Bearden reports on a congressional redistricting struggle in Texas that could add to the Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.

  

July 11, 2003

Shields and Brooks
Ray Suarez discusses the week's other political developments with syndicated columnist Mark Shields and The Weekly Standard's David Brooks.

  

July 9, 2003

Into Africa
President Bush discussed civil war and other African conflicts with South African President Thabo Mbeki. Ray Suarez gets an update on the president's trip from The New York Times' Richard Stevenson, who is traveling with Bush.

  

July 8, 2003

Medicare: Explaining the Details
Susan Dentzer accompanies two members of Congress with differing views on the Medicare drug bill that passed the House as they explain their positions to seniors who are struggling to understand the complex legislation.

  

July 4, 2003

The Founders' Vision
As the U.S. celebrates 227 years of independence, four historians discuss what America's first generation of leaders might think of its role in the world today.

  

July 4, 2003

The Political Analysis of Shields and York
Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and Byron York of the National Review discuss the possible deployment of U.S. troops to Liberia, the president's comments on continuing violence in Iraq and political fundraising for election 2004.

  

July 3, 2003

Turmoil in Liberia
U.S. military forces are ready for possible deployment to Liberia, where there's a fragile truce between President Charles Taylor's troops and insurgent forces. Terence Smith discusses the situation with Vanity Fair's Sebastian Junger, who just returned from assignment in Liberia.

July 3, 2003

Famine Risk
The Bush administration said today that the United States would send more food aid to Ethiopia. Brian Stewart of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reports on the risk of famine that once again faces the East African country.

  

July 2, 2003

Candidates' Rx: Senator John Kerry on Health Care
Margaret Warner talks with Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry (Mass.) about his plans for the nation's health care.

  

July 1, 2003

Candidates' Rx: Reverend Al Sharpton on Health Care
Margaret Warner talks with Democratic presidential candidate Rev. Al Sharpton about his plan for the nation's health care.

  

JUNE
June 30, 2003

Newsmaker: Secretary of State Colin Powell
Secretary of State Colin Powell discusses the latest developments in the U.S.-led "road map" to Middle East peace, and the call for America to intervene in Liberia's ongoing civil war.

  

June 27, 2003

Medicare Rx
The Senate and the House approved major Medicare legislation. Kwame Holman reports on the changes.

  

June 27, 2003

Shields and Brooks
Regular political analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the week's news, including the congressional debate over Medicare reform, the latest Supreme Court decisions and the late Sen. Strom Thurmond.

  

June 26, 2003

Turmoil in Liberia
President Bush called for Liberian President Charles Taylor to step down. Terence Smith first gets perspective on the recent rebel offensive with Vanity Fair reporter Sebastian Junger, on assignment in Liberia. Then, experts discuss the potential for the U.S. to intervene and stabilize the country in order to bring peace.

  

June 25, 2003

Iraq Up Close: Senators Joseph Biden and Chuck Hagel
Margaret Warner speaks with Senators Joseph Biden (D-Del.) and Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) about their recent trip to Baghdad and the meeting of the World Economic Forum in Jordan.

  

June 25, 2003

Governor Gray Davis: Calling a Recall
Spencer Michels reports on political controversy in California, where Gov. Gray Davis (D) faces a possible recall.

  

June 20, 2003

Shields and Brooks
Political analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the week's news, including the U.S. intelligence that led to the war in Iraq and the prospects for the 2004 presidential race.

  

June 19, 2003

Beaming Back
Iranian officials are blaming U.S.-based pro-democracy broadcasts for recent demonstrations in Tehran. KCET Los Angeles Correspondent Saul Gonzalez visited these broadcasters: Iranian exiles pushing for regime change at home.

  

June 18, 2003

Unrest in Iran
Iranian students continue their demonstrations for the eighth consecutive night. Experts assess the impact and meaning of the protests with Margaret Warner.

  

June 17, 2003

Medicare Rx
The Senate Tuesday continued debate on a Medicare reform plan that is the latest attempt in a multi-year struggle to add an outpatient prescription drug benefit to the program. Susan Dentzer reports on the Senate debate and then Gwen Ifill leads a discussion the merits of the bipartisan plan.

  

June 16, 2003

What Was Known
As Congress begins reviewing the intelligence used as one of the main reasons for the war that ousted Saddam Hussein, two members of the Senate Intelligence Committee offer their perspectives on the investigation.

  

June 16, 2003

Candidates' Rx: Senator Bob Graham
Margaret Warner talks with presidential candidate Sen. Bob Graham (D-Fla.) about his plans for the nation's health care system.

  

June 13, 2003

Tax Tussle
Yesterday the House passed legislation extending the child tax credit to poor families. Kwame Holman reports on the next step, a House-Senate compromise package.

  

June 13, 2003

Hopes and Fears: Iraqi-Americans Talk About Iraq
Elizabeth Brackett talks with Iraqi-Americans about their thoughts on the future of Iraq.

  

June 13, 2003

Shields and Brooks
Jim Lehrer talks with political analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks about Medicare legislation, the child tax credit, Sen. Hillary Clinton's (D-N.Y.) new book and the death of David Brinkley.

  

June 12, 2003

Medicare Rx
Susan Dentzer details the Medicare proposal making its way through the Senate and the debate over how to structure a prescription drug benefit for the nation's seniors.

  

June 11, 2003

Ahmad Chalabi: Keeping the Peace in Postwar Iraq
The cofounder of the main anti-Saddam opposition group discusses the challenges of keeping the peace in postwar Iraq, prewar intelligence of weapons of mass destruction and the transition to Iraqi self-rule.

  

June 11, 2003

Candidates' Rx: Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut
Ray Suarez speaks with Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut about his plans for the nation's uninsured.

  

June 9, 2003

Candidates' Rx: Carol Moseley Braun
Margaret Warner talks with former senator and Democratic presidential candidate Carol Moseley Braun about her plans for the U.S. health care system.

  

June 6, 2003

Economy Turning Around?
Abby Joseph Cohen, chair of the Investment Policy Committee at Goldman Sachs; and Allen Sinai, chief global economist and president of Decision Economics, Inc. speak with Ray Suarez about the U.S.'s mixed economic news, including rising unemployment and the stock market's recent gains.

  

June 6, 2003

Shields and Brooks
Jim Lehrer talks with political analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks about the president's efforts to negotiate Middle East peace, criticism of the Justice Department's treatment of post-Sept. 11 detainees, and the controversy at the New York Times.

  

June 3, 2003

Conversation: Award Winner Caro
Ray Suarez talks with Robert Caro, Pulitzer Prize winner for the biography "Master of the Senate: The Years of Lyndon Johnson."

MAY
May 30, 2003

Shields & Brooks
Ray Suarez discusses the president's trip, the controversy over the child tax credit and the U.S. military's continued presence in Iraq with analysts Shields and Brooks.

  

May 29, 2003

Candidates' Rx: Dennis Kucinich
As part of a series of health care conversations with the Democratic presidential candidates, Ray Suarez speaks with Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio.

  

May 27, 2003

Newsmaker: Senator Bill Frist
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R - Tenn.) discusses the newly passed $350 billion tax cut plan, new legislation that will provide funding to combat AIDS worldwide, reconstruction in Iraq and the debate over Medicare.

  

May 27, 2003

Threat from Tehran?
The Bush administration continues to express concerns that Iran is developing nuclear weapons and harboring terrorists. Experts discuss the details behind the alleged threats, U.S. engagement with Tehran and Iran's future on the world stage.

  

May 26, 2003

Prospects for Peace
Prospects for a summit between Israelis and Palestinians have raised new hopes for Middle East peace. But how realistic are they? Gwen Ifill gets some perspective from Stephen Cohen and Shibley Telhami.

May 23, 2003

Talking Taxes
Both houses of Congress approved President Bush's new tax cut plan Friday, a package worth $350 billion in tax cuts and state assistance over ten years. Ray Suarez discusses how the plan will affect individuals and families of differing income levels with Clint Stretch, tax policy director for Deloitte & Touche.

  

May 23, 2003

Political Wrap
Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and The Weekly Standard's David Brooks discuss the tax cut bill, President Bush's media operations and the week's other political developments.

  

May 22, 2003

Fighting the Peace in Nasiriya, Iraq
In Part II of her series on rebuilding postwar Iraq, Senior Correspondent Elizabeth Farnsworth reports on U.S. efforts to maintain law and order in the war-torn city of Nasiriya.

  

May 22, 2003

Candidates' Rx: Howard Dean
In the second of a series of health care conversations with the Democratic presidential candidates, Ray Suarez speaks with former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean.

  

May 21, 2003

Fighting the Peace in Nasiriya, Iraq
Elizabeth Farnsworth reports on military and humanitarian rebuilding efforts in Nasiriya, a city that was the scene of intense fighting during the Iraq war.

  

May 21, 2003

Candidates' Rx: Rep. Richard Gephardt
Starting a series of discussions with the Democratic presidential candidates about the nation's health care system, Margaret Warner talks with Rep. Richard Gephardt of Missouri about his plan to provide health care through employers

  

May 19, 2003

Suicide Attacks in Israel
Nearly a dozen people in Israel were killed in five suicide bombings in less than 48 hours, dimming hopes for reviving the peace talks. Experts discuss how the latest wave of attacks could impact the efforts to implement the U.S.-backed "road map" for peace in the Middle East.

  

May 16, 2003

Shields and Brooks
NewsHour regulars Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the weeks event's, including Senate passage of a $350 billion tax cut that eliminates tax on dividends for three years, the case of the runaway Texas Democrats and the crisis at the New York Times.

  

May 15, 2003

Newsmaker: South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun
South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun and President Bush met Wednesday in Washington and reiterated the importance of halting North Korea's nuclear aims. Roh discusses the North Korean nuclear threat with Jim Lehrer.

  

May 15, 2003

Roh Muh-hyun: Profile of the South Korean Leader
Following a campaign focused on ending labor conflicts, bridging regional rivalries and working with North Korea, Roh Muh-hyun was elected president of the Republic of Korea in December 2002.

May 14, 2003

The Debate Over Tax Cuts
From the White House to Capitol Hill, lawmakers are debating whether a large tax cut is the best way to stimulate the U.S. economy. Experts discuss the tax cut debate and its potential effects on job growth and the budget deficit.

  

May 12, 2003

The Return of Shiite Leader Ayatollah Muhammad Bakr al Hakim
Elizabeth Farnsworth reports from Basra on the return of Shiite leader Ayatollah Muhammad Bakr al Hakim and the the effort to bring security and political stability to postwar Iraq.

  

May 9, 2003

Shields and Brooks
NewsHour regulars Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the weeks event's, including House passage of a $550 billion tax cut and the Democratic candidates' effort to defeat President Bush in 2004.

  

May 8, 2003

Politics and Justice
As the Senate remains deadlocked over two judicial nominations, two key players on the Senate Judiciary Committee discuss efforts to improve the nomination process.

  

May 8, 2003

Conversation: Award Winner Samantha Power
Elizabeth Farnsworth discusses the Pulitzer Prize-winning "A Problem from Hell: American in the Age of Genocide" with its author, Samantha Power.

  

May 7, 2003

Taxes and Tactics
Kwame Holman reports on the continuing tax cut conflict and compromise in Congress.

  

May 7, 2003

Ahmad Chalabi and a New Iraq
Ahmad Chalabi of the Iraqi National Congress is expected to be named to the council that the U.S. says will lead Iraq as it transitions to a permanent democratic government. Experts discuss the controversy surrounding Chalabi with Margaret Warner.

  

May 6, 2003

Debts of Saddam Hussein
Iraq owes nearly $400 billion in obligations dating back to the first Gulf War. A new Iraqi government will have to decide what to do about Saddam's debt while it tries to rebuild.

  

May 6, 2003

Newsmaker: Tom Daschle
Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle discusses the Senate Democrats' economic recovery plan and President Bush's competing tax cut proposal.

  

May 5, 2003

South Carolina Face
The nine Democrats vying for the White House squared off in Columbia, South Carolina Saturday to discuss the war in Iraq, President Bush's tax cut and other issues expected to shape the 2004 election season.

  

May 2, 2003

The New Iraq
Ray Suarez assesses Iraq with Adeed Dawisha, a professor of political science at Miami University of Ohio; Hamid Dabashi, chairman of the Middle East and Asian Languages and Cultures Department at Columbia University; and Dale Davis, director of international programs and teacher of Arabic at Virginia Military Institute.

  

May 2, 2003

Syria at the Crossroads
Colin Powell arrived in Syria Friday for talks with President Bashar al-Assad and Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa. Simon Marks reports on what may lie ahead for Iraq's western neighbor now that Saddam Hussein's regime has been ousted.