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Rundown 12/11

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Blurring the Lines Between Mercenaries and the CIA

The New York Times reported Friday that Blackwater security guards worked side by side with CIA operatives in secret missions to catch and kill militants in Iraq and Afghanistan. The paper reports that the missions blurred the line between CIA and a mercenary group, with former CIA operatives saying Blackwater became an extension of the agency. We speak to Mark Mazzetti of The New York Times.

The CLASS Act

It's a little reported provision in the health care reform bills - a new government-run insurance program to help disabled adults and elderly Americans pay for long term care services like home care, adult day programs, assisted living, and nursing homes. Both critics and supporters agree that if passed, it will transform the way we care for our elderly and disabled. So what's in the provisions and what are the plan's chances passing? We speak with veteran journalist Howard Gleckman, author of "Caring for our Parents."

Previewing Week 2 in Copenhagen

The BBC's Science Correspondent Matt McGrath joins us from Copenhagen to wrap up the first week of climate talks and preview next week.

Should Iran Pay Up?

In 1983, at a U.S. Marine barracks in Beruit, Lebanon, the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah exploded the largest non-nuclear bomb ever detonated on earth, killing 241 American service members. A U.S. judge says Iran was responsible, and that they owe survivors and victims' families $2.65 billion. But the Obama administration is trying to block those payments, saying going after restitution from Iran would hamper President Obama's current diplomatic efforts with Iran. We speak to Lt. Colonel Howard Lawrence Gerlach, a survivor of the attack, and his attorney Tom Fay.

Remembering Thomas Hoving

Thomas Hoving, former director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art is shown in front of the museum in New York City May 18, 1967. (AP)
Thomas Hoving, former director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art is shown in front of the museum in New York City May 18, 1967. (AP)

Music from the show

  • Kar-Kar Madison, "Boubacar Traore"
  • Ahmad Jamal, "Patterns"
  • Tito Puente, "Royal T"
  • Peter Dixon, "Nagog Woods"
  • Fred Hirsch, "Desafinado"
  • Radiohead, "There, There"
  • Aaron Copland, "Appalachian Spring"

This program aired on December 11, 2009.

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