60 Minutes Season 39 Episode 13 General Abizaid, The Memory Pill, Blue Jay
- November 26, 2006
General John Abizaid is the focus of this week's 60 Minutes episode. As the former commander of U.S. Central Command, Abizaid shares his insights on the state of the war against terrorism, including the status of ISIS and the threat posed by Iran. Abizaid, who also served as the U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia, offers his thoughts on the current state of U.S.-Saudi relations.
The episode also features a segment on memory enhancement drugs, known as "smart pills." Correspondent Anderson Cooper interviews individuals who have taken these pills in the hopes of improving their memory and cognitive abilities. Despite claims of benefits, there are also concerns about the potential side effects and long-term consequences of these drugs.
In a lighter segment, correspondent Bill Whitaker explores the world of competitive bird-watching, following a team of birders as they compete in the annual "Big Year" competition. Whitaker joins the team as they search for rare bird species, including the elusive blue jay.
Overall, this episode offers a diverse range of topics, from serious discussions about national security to lighthearted looks into obscure hobbies.