Government & Politics

Economics writer Robert Kuttner returns to discuss his new book, "The End of Laissez Faire." In it, he proposes that the United States give up its roles as world policeman and focus on the type of governmental economic planning that has benefited the Japanese and Germans.

We talk with Iraq emigre Laith Kubba, the leader of the London-based group, "The Conference on Human Rights and Democracy in Iraq." He'll give his view of this morning's peace proposal, and he'll discuss the feasibility of democracy in a post-Saddam Iraq.

We look at international law with Alfred Rubin, a professor at Tufts University. He'll look at whether the recent bombing that killed hundreds in Iraq was a legal action, and the treatment of POWs in the Gulf War.

Milton Viorst is a frequent contributor to the New Yorker who's written extensively about the Middle East. He talks with Fresh Air producer Pat Ford about the relationship between the U.S. and Jordan under the leadership of King Hussein.

Economist Robert Kuttner joins Fresh Air to talk about how the war affects the economy. Though the stock market has soared, the real economy has suffered, the the national debt grows deeper every day.

First, reporter Pat Ford talks with retired Admiral Eugene Carroll, of the Center for Defense Information. They examine latest developments in the Gulf War. He'll speculate on what was discussed at this weekend's meeting between Secretary of Defense Dick Chaney, Chief of Staff Colin Powell, and commanding general Norman Schwarzkopf.

Then, Terry talks with the Science Advisor to King Hussain of Jordan, Doctor Abdullah Toucan. They'll discuss the environmental consequences of the Gulf War in light of Saddam Hussein's threat to destroy oil fields.

Terry interview stand-up comedian Jimmy Tingle. Tingle's forte is political humor. He talks about keeping his comedy relevant but respectful to all involved in the Gulf War.

We look at the state of human rights in the region--particularly in Iraq before the start of the Gulf War--as well as elsewhere around the world. Kenneth Roth, the deputy director of Human Rights Watch, shares his insights.

We talk about United States' newest Middle East ally's involvement in the international drug trade with Philadelphia Inquirer reporter David Zucchino. Zucchino covers the drug war for the paper, and has spent two years in the Middle East. He also won a Pulitzer for his coverage of South Africa.

Fresh Air producer Amy Salit interviews Joe Stork, the editor-chief of "Middle East Report." He'll discuss the unequal distribution of wealth in the Middle East. Kuwait's has a strong economy tied to their oil production; their reluctance to share it with other, poorer, Arab countries has been cited as one of the motives behind Iraq's invasion.

Psychiatric-social worker Raymond M. Scurfield is the Director of the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Program at the American Lake V.A. Center in Washington State. He served in Vietnam, treating psychiatric casualties. He talks about the typical problems found in combat, the dilemma of sending G.I.'s back into battle, and he speculates on the difficulties G.I.s will face in the Gulf.

Mehdi is the Secretary General of the National Council on Islamic Affairs and President of the American-Arab relations committee. Born in Bagdad, he moved to the U.S. in the late 1940s. He talks with Terry about his frustration with the U.S.'s destructive actions in his home country, and about the strong link between the Islamic faith and the law.

Two interviews in this segment: First, Terry talks with Roger Fisher, the head of the Harvard Negotiation Project. He explains why it's still not too late to negotiate with Saddam Hussain. Then Terry speaks with journalist and long-time China watcher, Orville Schell; they'll discuss the current trials of some of the leaders of the student-led, pro-democracy movement.

The journalist's new book, "The Power and the Glitter," looks at alliances between politicians across the ideological spectrum with movie stars and other celebrities. Brownstein is the national political correspondent for the Los Angeles Times.

The New York Times reporter has spent the last decade covering the Middle East. In light of the start of the Gulf War, he has two questions -- How will we know when we win? And how will the war affect the peace process between Israel and Palestine? Friedman is the author of the bestselling book From Beirut to Jerusalem.

Native Kuwaities of Palestinian heritage Shafeeq Ghabra and Taghreed Alqudsi-Ghabra are both former professors at the University of Kuwait and activists against the Iraqi occupation. Now in exile the United States, the married couple joins Fresh Air to give a first-hand account of the beginning of the crisis in the region.

Fresh Air producer Amy Salit talks with Patrick Seale, author of "Asad: The Struggle for The Middle East." They'll discuss Syria's role in the current war, and the country's recent political history.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reflects on some recent songs that have come out in favor of or against U.S. involvement in Iraq, including those by Sean Lennon, Hank Williams, Jr., Andrew Tippin, and Randy Newman.

Terry Gross talks with the military historian about the conflict in the Middle East. They discuss when war is warranted, and acknowledge the suspicions many citizens may have about those motives. Howard teaches at Yale University.

Terry talks with Dr. Saeb Erakat, a university professor, about life in the occupied territories during the Gulf War. Moshe Fogel from the Israeli Defense Department responds to his concerns.