Perspective Podcast - March 4th, 2011

In this edition of Perspective...

Gadhafi Exclusive Interview.

He was born in a Bedouin tent, came to power in a coo, and for more than 40 years Moammar Gadhafi has stood as one of the most bizarre characters on the world stage.  But while his team of female bodyguards and shifting political allegiances gave an eccentric mystique, Gadhafi ruled Libya like any other tyrant.  After years of oppression a revolution exploded.  This week, Gadhafi's own sons insisted there is no revolution and denied using military force against their own citizens.  But President Obama has called for the leader to step down, sent warships into the region, and ordered a seizure of $30 billion of Libyan assets.  ABC's Christiane Amanpour has an exclusive interview with the longtime leader of a nation on the brink.

Secret Libyan Prisons.

We learned more this week about the secret prison run by the Gadhafi regime in the city of Benghazi.  A recently defected soldier took ABC's Lama Hasan on a tour of the complex were it is said that prisoners were tortured.

Gas Prices.

Oil prices continue to rise as fighting escalates in Libya and petroleum demand continues to grow in the U.S.  Analysts are concerned that the rebellion will endanger Libya's oil fields, which produce 1.6 million barrels per day.  That is only about 2 percent of global demand, but experts say the disruption is putting pressure on world supplies at a time when demand is picking up.  What all this means is that consumers should expect to pay more at the pump.  ABC's Chris Bury explains.

Dangerous Refineries.  

With all that is going in the Middle East, the price of crude oil continues to rise.  To turn that pricey crude into gas for the car, that oil must be refined.  But investigators have found that many refineries here in the U.S. have failed to properly maintain aging equipment.  ABC's Chief Investigative Correspondent Brian Ross explains how this has led to grave concerns.  

Mike Huckabee Interview.

After the smoke cleared following the Iowa caucuses for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008, a lot of people were surprised that the runaway winner was former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee.  He had a particularly strong following among evangelical voters and women.  He ultimately did not get the nomination in 2008, but will 2012 be a different story?  ABC's Terry Moran tried to find out.  

A Father's Anguish.

Actor Charlie Sheen has partied his way into more than a few jams over the years, but TV's highest paid sitcom star is embroiled in a new controversy, waging a very public battle against the television studio that made him rich. This week his estranged wife filed a restraining order against him and police removed his twin sons from his care.  But while following the actor's comments this week may have been entertaining for some, the issue of addiction is a personal drama all too familiar to millions of American families.  Actor Martin Sheen is watching as his own son, Charlie, grapples with his demons on a national stage.  ABC's Andrea Canning explains.  

Dr. Luke:  Record Producer.

Quincy Jones, Clive Davis, and George Martin.  Some of the most powerful people in pop music are not singers, but producers known for nurturing talent and unlocking sounds.  It is hard to define that skill that is understandably in high demand.  Top producers not only get their pick of projects, but they are richly rewarded for their efforts.  One of today's hottest producers is known as "Dr. Luke".  ABC's Chris Connelly asked him for his secret.

Host: Cheri Preston

Producer: Jason Wesalo

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