Is Containment An Option For Iran?
President Obama drew another line in the sand over the weekend on Iran's nuclear ambitions. Speaking at AIPAC, an influential pro-Israel group, he said, "Iran's leaders should understand that I do not have a policy of containment; I have a policy to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon." Some argue containment represents a viable option against Iran. They insist that if Iran ever acquires nuclear weapons, a strong policy of deterrence and containment will prevent Tehran from ever using those weapons. Others say that's nonsense, and argue that the strategies that worked during the Cold War do not apply to a country like Iran. Host John Donvan talks with experts about the strategy of containment, and whether or not it may be an effective tool in the case of Iran.
The Parent's View On Children Caring For Elderly Parents
Last week, Sandra Tsing Loh described the difficult feelings of guilt, isolation and resentment many adult children face when caring for elderly parents who can longer care for themselves. There's another side to those challenges, though: The aging parents who confront their own feelings of resentment. It's an issue Lillian Rubin knows well, and discusses in a piece for Salon.com titled, "The dilemma of taking care of elderly parents." She often finds herself at odds with her well-meaning daughter over what her daughter wants for her, and what Rubin actually needs. Rubin joins guest host John Donvan to talk about the often complex relationship between adult children and their aging parents.
How Animals And Humans Heal Each Other
Most pet owners would agree that dogs, cats, birds and other friendly critters are a source of joy. A growing field of medical research aims to pinpoint exactly why pets can make us happier and healthier. Some studies show that animal interaction can increase a person's level of oxytocin, a hormone associated with love and trust. Other studies are exploring the benefits for military veterans and troubled children. Guest host John Donvan talks with NPR health policy correspondent Julie Rovner about the science of pet therapy and with Rebecca Johnson, director of the University of Missouri's Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction, about how animals can benefit as well.
The Power Of 'Slut'
Syndicated radio host Rush Limbaugh ignited a national controversy when he called a Georgetown Law student a "prostitute" and a "slut" after she testified before a Senate committee and called for federal health care coverage to include the cost of contraception. Limbaugh apologized, but several companies pulled their advertising from his show and commentators across the political spectrum condemned his comments. Guest host John Donvan reads from a variety of op-eds on this issue and takes listener calls on the controversy and on the power and meaning of the word "slut."
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