Iraqi Prime Minister al-Maliki Speaks Before Congress; Highland Park Gang Trial; Hezbollah 101; Friendship
Iraqi Prime Minister al-Maliki Speaks Before Congress
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki insisted Wednesday that his country is a front line in the war on terrorism and said those behind the rampant violence there are perverting the Islamic faith. "I know some of you question whether Iraq is part of the war on terror," al-Maliki told a joint meeting of Congress, where some lawmakers have been critical of the new Iraqi leader's position on the current conflict between Israel and Hezbollah militants. "Let me be very clear," said al-Maliki, speaking through a translator. "This is a battle between true Islam, for which a person's liberty and rights constitute essential cornerstones, and terrorism, which wraps itself in a fake Islamic cloak." Several Democrats critical of al-Maliki attended and participated in standing ovations as the Iraqi leader spoke. Larry Mantle and guests talk about the speech and the politics surrounding the Iraqi Prime Minister's visit to Washington, DC.
Highland Park Gang Trial
Was it a hate crime? Larry Mantle speaks with Los Angeles Newsweek correspondent Andy Murr, Community Advocates Vice President Joe Hicks, Edward Rivera, Outreach and Communications Director for the Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council.
Hezbollah 101
Larry and his guests discuss the history and hierarchy of Hezbollah as well as how the organization is governed.
Friendship
Larry talks with author Joseph Epstein about his new book, "Friendship: An Expose," which looks at the complexities and complications of friendship in contemporary life.