Topic: Barack Obama
Top galleries, list articles, quizzes
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Playing the IRS card: Six presidents who used the IRS to bash political foes
Since the advent of the federal income tax about a century ago, several presidents – or their zealous underlings – have directed the IRS to use its formidable police powers to harass or punish enemies, political rivals, and administration critics. Here are six infamous episodes.
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Briefing
IRS 101: Seven questions about the tea party scandal
The Internal Revenue Service is under the microscope now, as revelations have emerged that the agency wrongly targeted conservative groups seeking nonprofit status. Here’s an accounting of what has happened, along with the ramifications.
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3 priorities for Pakistan's new government
After 14 years, Nawaz Sharif is back at the helm in Pakistan. The nuclear-armed country faces a welter of problems, from terrorism to tensions with Afghanistan, India, and the United States. To move Pakistan forward, Mr. Sharif must focus on three priorities.
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Five ways to improve Obama's pre-k plan
President Obama’s Preschool for All plan is well intentioned but includes features that are not justified by research and won’t help it pass in Congress. The plan must make the following five adjustments.
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5 myths about amnesty for illegal immigrants in Senate bill
Under a bipartisan Senate immigration bill, immigrants who have come to the United States illegally are given a "path to citizenship." On close inspection, each of the following five claims about the requirements for illegal immigrants to earn amnesty are not what they seem.
All Content
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Earth Talk: Why are US rail options limited compared with Europe?
The US has the lowest rate of intercity rail usage, but Congress is taking steps to change this.
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Clinton maneuvers testy time for US, Africa
In Kenya, she expressed dismay over rejection of human-rights tribunal – but emphasized shared trade and security interests.
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Iran's Ahmadinejad takes office scorning "scowls" of enemies
Some 1,000 riot police at the inauguration hall held back protesters – whom Iran's Supreme Leader called 'angry and wounded.'
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Bill brings reporters home from N. Korea. Hillary demurs on nuke talks.
'Dear Leader' Kim got his photo op. But will he get his way on bilateral nuclear talks?
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What Hillary Clinton seeks to achieve in Africa
One aim: to bolster relations with resource-rich countries where China has been aggressively extending its presence.
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Bill Clinton's 'rock star status' delivers in North Korea
The former president succeeded in securing the release of two American journalists partly because he brought Pyongyang the prestige it craves.
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Opinion: As a CIA spy, I saw in Iran what the West cannot ignore
We must defend freedom in Iran soon – or deal with nuclear-armed fanatics later.
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The Monitor's View: Clinton 'rescue' in North Korea leaves Obama on the spot
By letting a former president hold talks with North Korea, the current president leaves a democratic ally, South Korea, in the cold.
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The real reason for Obama's $2.4 billion electric car grants
More than half of the money goes to battery manufacturing. US-made hybrids are currently dependent on batteries made abroad.
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US industries press for ‘green’ trade accord
They’re concerned that emerging economic giants India, Brazil, and China may gain the upper hand in this hot market.
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ECONOMIC SCENE: Sanctions on Iran and Israel could defuse Middle East
For centuries, nations have resorted to economic sanctions when diplomacy has failed.
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In Indiana, Obama sells small side of stimulus
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Coal lobbyists caught forging letters to Congress
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Obama gives $600 million to next-gen car batteries
Car companies received more than $600 million on Wednesday to further development of batteries for hybrids and electric cars.
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In Indiana, Obama offers $2.4 billion for clean tech
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Evicted Palestinians stand their ground – on thin mattresses
Forced out of their Sheikh Jarrah homes after losing a property-rights case to Jewish families, their situation has drawn international censure.
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Clinton meets N. Korea's Kim Jong-il
The former president made a surprise visit to North Korea Tuesday to seek the release of two American journalists, but Pyongyang said he also held talks on wide-ranging issues.
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Dems appear to set deadline for bipartisan healthcare
In a meeting with the president Tuesday, Senate Democrats agree to work with Republicans on a bipartisan bill – but only until the middle of September.
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Freemasons to 'Birthers': rise of D.C. conspiracy theories
Once firmly in the fringe, political conspiracy theories have become more mainstream in the past few decades, say some.
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GOP senators concede on 'Cash for Clunkers'
They don't have the votes to block an additional $2 billion for the popular program. Many have heard from car dealers back home.
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Sotomayor is a shoo-in, but the Senate vote still matters
Democrats have the votes to approve her nomination to the Supreme Court this week. But Hispanics and the National Rifle Association – among others – will watch how senators vote.
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Top five political conspiracy theories
The 'birther' allegation that President Obama wasn't born in the US is nothing new. America has a long tradition of political accusations gaining traction.
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Obama shares a birthday and a smooch with Helen Thomas
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Glenn Beck to birthers: Focus on Communists instead
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Hecklers turn Democrats' healthcare forums into 'town hells'
House members stumping for President Obama's reform plans return home to 'recess roasts.'
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