From KCRW in Santa Monica and PRI, Public Radio International, this is To the Point.

Counterterrorism or a New War.

I'm Tess Viglin sitting in for Warren Allney, and this is To the Point from Public Radio International,

a daily look at the issues

Americans care about most. Last night, after weeks of headlines about the lack of a plan

to fight growing extremism in Iraq and Syria, President Obama said the U.S. will lead a broad

coalition to degrade and destroy the increasingly aggressive and violent terrorist force

known as the Islamic State.

Military action could now include U.S. airstrikes within Syria, a political turnaround that could complicate war in the region. Today we'll hear how Congress is reacting and ask what

Americans should expect from the latest intervention 13 years after 9-11. On today's

talking point, Oscar Pistorius, the Blade Runner, is not guilty of murder.

First, here's the news.

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kCRW.com. Support for To the Point comes from the members of KCRW and from the Public Radio

International Program Fund. I'm Tis Viglin sitting sitting in for Warren Olney, back with To the Point.

President Obama has laid out his plan for dealing with increasing terrorist activity in Iraq and the surrounding region,

including possible airstrikes within Syria.

Congress must now decide on the president's request for renewed military activity, and Americans are watching to see just how long this effort could last.

On today's talking point, South African track star Oscar Pistorius has been cleared of all murder charges, but he is not free to go just yet.

We'll get a courtroom update on an emotional case that's been compared to the O.J. Simpson trial.

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