This International Dateline episode includes three segments: The Wild Wild East, a Martin Walker Interview, and Embassy Bombers on Trial.
The Wild Wild East
Just days ago, Hurricane Katrina tore through the southern US states of Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. Dateline sent reporter Aaron Lewis into the eye of the humanitarian storm that's engulfed New Orleans, a city so famous for its jazz, mardi gras, and gumbo. The city has now become ground zero of the worst natural disaster in United States history. Dateline provides a highly personal snapshot of the chaos left by Katrina.
Martin Walker Interview
It is a sad coincidence that this week also marks the anniversary of September 11. There's also plenty of irony in the stark difference between George Bush's position this time and four years ago. Arguably, the events of 9/11 gave the US, the world's sole remaining super power, enough high moral ground to wage two wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. That said, could the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina now erode the hitherto supreme confidence of the Bush Administration? In the US, they're calling the aftermath of the disaster, 'Katrinagate'. Two separate investigations have been announced into what went wrong, and it's a fair bet that heads will eventually roll. But, the political fallout for George Bush and his administration goes way beyond just who's to blame. In fact, many believe the answer ultimately goes to the very root of the American political system itself. Martin Walker, Editor of United Press International in Washington, is a long-time America-watcher and George Negus spoke with him earlier today.
Embassy Bombers on Trial
This week marks the anniversary of the bombing of Australia's Embassy in Jakarta -- a blast that resulted in 12 Indonesian deaths and 188 people injured. Immediately after the event, there was extensive media coverage. However, little has been mentioned about the capture and trial of the six men charged with the attack. Dateline's David O'Shea reports from the trial in South Jakarta.
About International Dateline
SBS Dateline, which began in 1984, is Australia's longest-running international current affairs program. It has a well-earned reputation for authoritative and incisive reporting. Dateline has taken the traditional way of producing TV current affairs and turned it on its head. Reporters who used to travel with a cameraperson and sound recordist now travel alone and have the responsibility of both filming and reporting their stories. The reporters became video-journalists, gaining access to people and places that the conventional camera crews cannot.
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