The Iraq Study Group meets today to debate its initial draft proposal which, according to reports, calls for talks with Iran and Syria. After four, Ben Merens speaks with a Middle East expert who says Iraq’s neighbors will have a price for their influence, but no good options are left for the US.
Guest: David Newton, adjunct scholar, Middle East Institute, former director of Radio Free Iraq (1998-2004) and former ambassador to Iraq (1984-1988) www.mideasti.org
5:00 PM


You don’t need the resources of Warren Buffet or Bill Gates to be a philanthropist. Ben Merens’ guest, after five, says philanthropy is for everyone, and it may be more democratic than government programs for funding social needs.
Guest: Paul Schervish (SHURV-ish), professor of sociology, director, Center on Wealth and Philanthropy, Boston College.