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

Has the U.S. lost its influence over the crisis in Pakistan?

I'm Jim Sterngold sitting in for Warren Only, and this is To the Point from Public Radio International,

a daily look at the issues Americans care about most. Since Pakistani President Prevez Musharraf

declared emergency rule two weeks ago, the U.S. has struggled to stabilize this key ally in the

war on terror. But even after Washington Senate's number two diplomat, Musharraf has remained

defiant in his grip on power.

Can the U.S. cut aid without pushing Pakistan to the brink of chaos?

On reporter's notebook later on, for years the FBI won convictions by claiming that bullets had a distinct chemical fingerprint.

Scientists have refuted the FBI, calling into question hundreds of cases.

First, here's the news.

Support for To the Point comes from subscribers of KCRW Santa Monica

and from the Public Radio International Program Fund,

whose contributors include the Ford Foundation and the John D.

and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

I'm Jim Sterngold sitting in for Warren Olney, back with To the Point from PRI.

Since 9-11, the Bush administration has thrown its support behind the government of General Prevez Musharraf.

Washington has provided more than $10 billion in aid in return for Pakistan's support in the fight against the Taliban and al-Qaeda.

But now that Musharraf has declared emergency rule, can the U.S. punish him without creating chaos that would help the terrorists?

On reporter's notebook, has the FBI been throwing innocent men into prison by relying on phony science?

First, this news update.

After years of being accused of doing little to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli dispute,

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