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

Targeted killings, drones, and the role of the CIA.

Hello again, I'm Armin Alney, and this is To the Point from Public Radio International.

A daily look at the issues Americans care about most. After September 11th, George Bush began targeting leaders in what he

called the War on Terror. Barack Obama has widely expanded the practice. Rather than acts of

Congress, much less the courts, it's been driven by drone technology, and the president alone

decides who lives or who dies.

The CIA carries out his decisions, and it wants more drones.

Is the intelligence agency becoming an unmanned air force?

The kill list has grown way beyond al-Qaeda leaders, who are the original targets.

Will drone technology encourage engagement in permanent war?

First, here's the news.

Support for To the Point comes from the members of KCRW and from the Public Radio International Program Fund.

Warman, on me back with To the Point. With almost no public discussion, President Obama has expanded the use of targeted killings.

It's a cheap way to get rid of terrorist leaders, but mistakes and civilian casualties can be

costly in more ways than one. We'll look at how the policy has developed, how it could change

the role of the Central Intelligence Agency and potentially prolong engagements in war.

On reporter's notebook, another Republican Senate candidate says pregnancy

caused by rape is not justification for legal abortion. Well, that impact the presidential campaign.

First, this news update. The UN envoy to Syria says President al-Assad has agreed to a holiday

ceasefire along with most of the opposition factions,

but it's not clear when it might begin or how long it might continue.

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