Smuggling Routes Bring Guns and Bullets into Syria

Syrian opposition forces says they’re poorly armed. But are they prepared to fight a civil war? The Guardian newspaper’s Ghaith Abdul-Ahad talks with host Marco Werman about Syria’s borders and the heavy cross border traffic in guns and bullets.

How Arizona guns make it to Mexico

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Washington Post investigative reporter James Grimaldi talks with host Lisa Mullins about the gun laws in Arizona and how weapons purchased in the US end up in the hands of Mexican drug cartels. Download MP3

Arming Mexico’s drug cartels
The hidden life of guns>

Mending military ties with China

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Defense Secretary Robert Gates is in China today. He is trying to mend badly strained military relations. China dramatically curtailed defense ties last year after the Americans announced plans to sell arms to Taiwan. For its part, the US is concerned about China’s growing military might, especially its capacity to develop new weapons. Host Lisa Mullins speaks with The World’s Mary Kay Magistad in Beijing. Download MP3

US-Russian nuclear treaty ratified

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Moscow-based political analyst Mikhail Troitskiy says the new START treaty is an important milestone for US-Russia relations. He tells anchor Lisa Mullins that ratification would push both sides toward further cuts in their nuclear weapons arsenals. Download MP3

Assessing US intelligence on Iran

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Iranian state media today said the military has successfully test-fired Shahab and Sejil missiles, which are capable of reaching much of the Middle East, including Israel and American bases in the Gulf. The move comes just days after revelations of a secret nuclear enrichment program, and just days before multi-party talks on Iran’s nuclear program that will involve the United States. Anchor Jeb Sharp speaks with Charles Duelfer, a former US intelligence officer and weapons inspector. Download MP3 (AP Photo/Fars News Agency, Ali Shaigan)

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• Q & A on Iran and the nuclear issue
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