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From KCRW in Santa Monica and PRI, Public Radio International,

this is To the Point.

Multiple crises in the Middle East with U.S. influence declining.

Hello again, I'm Mormon Alney, and this is to the point from Public Radio International,

a daily look at the issues Americans care about most. With increased violence in Iraq and Yemen,

continuing chaos in Libya and Syria, the Obama administration is accused of lacking a coherent policy.

In one fight, it shares an enemy with Iran, and another fight it's the other way around,

with a deadline for nuclear talks looming tomorrow.

Now the Arab League, led by American allies, is forming its own unprecedented military command.

Does the U.S. have any choice other than trying to keep up with unpredictable

changes in the world's most volatile region?

Today's talking point, Barney Frank,

and the anguish of life in the closet.

First, here's the news.

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