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

The targeted killing of American citizens.

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

The daily look at the issues Americans care about most.

The Obama administration used drones to kill three American citizens located in Yemen,

including a 16-year-old boy. No trial, not even judicial review. A Justice Department

White Paper leaked to a reporter this week says civil rights can be ignored if there's an imminent

threat of terrorism against the United States.

But constitutional scholars and others see twisted logic, the redefinition of language, and a stunning

overreach of the president's powers. What constitutes an imminent threat? Who makes that decision?

What does the CIA have to do with it? We'll look for some answers today.

First, here's the news.

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Hello again, Warren Alney, back with To the Point.

The Obama administration says an informed high-level official can ignore the right to do process and kill American citizens if they constitute an imminent

threat to the United States. We'll hear about a leaked white paper that's created an uproar over

constitutional rights, international rules of war, and the role of the CIA. First, this news update.

Vice President Biden hinted last week that the U.S. and Iran might engage in bilateral

talks.

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