Topic: Barack Obama

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Whitehouse.gov petition to pardon Snowden passes 100,000 signatures

Whitehouse.gov: The administration routinely declines to comment on petitions regarding law enforcement matters, including pardon requests. The ultimate answer is the administration's pursuit of Snowden on espionage charges.
Opinion Obama and Congress must fight climate change like they do terrorism

President Obama is expected to announce steps to limit greenhouse gases today. That's fine, but they are half measures without the help of Congress. Both must take this issue as seriously as they do terrorism. Climate change, too, has killed people and the financial damage is real.
Obama to unveil climate change plan with sweeping emissions cuts (+video)

President Obama is expected to announce Tuesday a comprehensive new plan to combat climate change that includes cutting greenhouse-gas emissions from existing coal-fired power plants – a move that could lead to a wave of plant closings.
Caroline Kennedy lights memorial flame in Ireland

Caroline Kennedy lit a memorial flame in Ireland 50 years after her father, John F. Kennedy, made his iconic trip there. 'No visit . . . meant more to him that his visit to Ireland,' said Caroline Kennedy.
Edward Snowden gives countries a chance to thumb nose at US

The US has long emphasized the importance it gives to the human rights of the citizens of the nations it is dealing with. Now, countries aiding Edward Snowden as he tries to evade US justice can turn the tables on the US.
The Monitor's View In Texas affirmative-action ruling, Supreme Court seeks race-blind admissions

A Supreme Court ruling in the University of Texas affirmative-action case shows a stronger leaning toward race-neutral ways to help minorities. Indeed, new ways are needed to help the disadvantaged.
Were Obama recess appointments constitutional? Supreme Court takes case

The Supreme Court will weigh in on a major flash point between President Obama and Senate Republicans, who challenge his use of recess appointments while their chamber is holding 'pro forma' sessions.
Edward Snowden heads for asylum: Why Ecuador?

Edward Snowden, who leaked information about top-secret NSA surveillance programs, reportedly is headed to asylum in Ecuador. US officials still hope to prosecute Snowden on espionage charges, but that may be difficult given US relations with Ecuador.
The Monitor's View Don't bemoan Washington's bogland

With Congress in gridlock on issues like guns, immigration, and energy, Americans turn to states, cities, and private groups for action. This spirit of community and problem-solving will inevitably find its expression somewhere.
Obama Catholic schools flap: Did he really call for end of religious schools? (+video)

Some critics say that remarks President Obama made on a visit to Northern Ireland this week amount to an assault on schools run by religious sects. But Obama also has defenders on this one – including some within the Roman Catholic Church.
When in doubt, NSA searches information on Americans (+video)

According to newly revealed secret documents, the NSA retains wide discretion over targeting individuals for surveillance – including, potentially, Americans. Civil libertarians say 'it confirms our worst fears.'
‘Friends of Syria’ meeting adds pressure: What is US ready to do?

Other countries and the Syrian rebels are awaiting specifics about new US aid, but President Obama is still weighing what steps to take and how far to go, reflecting continuing deep divisions across the administration.
Decoder Wire Immigration reform: Can a supporter win GOP nomination in 2016?

Although Republicans in general have been under pressure to warm up to immigration reform, such an approach might not resonate in early-primary states, where GOP voters tend to be socially conservative and largely white.
Kerry and 'Friends of Syria' to meet in Doha

The meeting will address arming Syrian rebels and a stalled peace effort. Lots of supporters of rebels will be there, but key backers of Syria's government, like Russia, won't.
Briefing Five things to understand about Turkey's protests

The unrest is unlikely to become a “Turkish Spring,” but it is testing democracy in Turkey.
Verbal Energy Shooting our mouths off, as well as our guns

After yet another mass shooting, the Monitor's language columnist considers the role of gun metaphors in ordinary conversation.
FBI pick: Obama poised to name Bush appointee James Comey

The White House announced today that on Friday, President Obama will nominate Bush's Deputy Attorney General James Comey to head the FBI.
Whale of a win: Environmental victory protects whales from noise pollution

Michael Jasny, director of the NRDC Marine Mammal Project, contributed this article to LiveScience's Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights.
The Monitor's View Obama's cold calculation on global warming

Hundreds of existing coal-burning plants could be shut down under expected EPA rules aimed at curbing climate change. But such action must be accompanied by Obama appealing directly to people in coal-dependent states who would be making the big sacrifices.
Energy Voices Will Obama's new climate policy lead to a greener future?

President Obama is expected to roll out a major climate policy that may include EU-style benchmarks for renewable energy and greenhouse gas emissions. Can Obama make progress on clean energy in his second term?
Obama nuke proposals: Status quo, or too risky?

Obama's offer to Russia to jointly cut deployed strategic nukes was just part of a broader, and more cautious, nuclear weapons strategy announced by the White House.
Backchannels What's Obama's strategy for Syria?

Go figure.
How drones are used for domestic surveillance

FBI Director Robert Mueller told the Senate Judiciary Committee that unmanned aircraft is used minimally in domestic surveillance to monitor unmoving objects and save law enforcement officers from serious risks. Senators expressed concerns about the secrecy of the program and possible threats to privacy.
Navy football players charged with rape

If found guilty of sexually assaulting a schoolmate, three United States Naval Academy midshipmen could face court-martial. The allegations came following an investigation into an off-campus party last year.
Slavery: US gives bad marks to China and Russia in its annual report

The State Department report on slavery notes that more countries are prosecuting traffickers and providing services to rescued victims. But China and Russia are failing to make progress, the US says.