Osama's Friends
PBS Frontline correspondent Martin Smith has produced a superb documentary that shows us the area where Osama bin Laden may be hiding and where Al Qaeda and its Taliban allies are regaining strength. Smith's "Return of the Taliban" takes us to the lawless northern regions of Pakistan, rarely seen by foreigners, and explores the complex web of relationships among local tribesmen, Al Qaeda, the Taliban and Pakistan's military and secret services. He reveals how weapons, money and fighters are flowing through this Taliban sanctuary to the rebels fighting U.S. troops in Afghanistan, who are rapidly gaining strength. The excellent package includes views of the region by visitors ranging from Taliban militants to Winston Churchill. Warning: Some of the footage is graphic and highly disturbing.
Additional broadcasting kudos go this week to Brian Ross of ABC News and his investigative team for breaking open the Mark Foley scandal. Ross and his ABC colleagues keep coming up with scoops like these about the lecherous ex-congressman.