Topic: Barack Obama

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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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Barack the Tourist
US troop buildup in Afghanistan could be a defining moment

Obama's order to send 17,000 more troops comes before US has set a clear strategy.
Letters to the Editor

Readers write about the meaning of the Constitution's 'common good,' why Iran is right to be wary of the US, and why India will be watching Hillary Clinton's visit to China.
Opinion: A Russian answer to Iran's threat

Moscow can bring Tehran to heel, if the US price is right. Is Obama ready to give up missile defense to make that happen?
Opinion: Clinton must press China on rights

A stable, open China is in America's best interests.
Investment fraud suspect Stanford was major political donor

Robert Allen Stanford, his firm, or its employees are said to have delivered $2.4 million to political operations since 2000.
Obama on economy: Yes we could
Behind Dow's plunge to six-year low: one big unknown
Mini-surge to test out US strategy in Afghanistan

Some 3,000 US troops recently deployed to insurgent-heavy provinces near Kabul.
From Iran's hard-liners, tough talk – but pragmatism as well

Positions that suggest little flexibility may simply be a strong opening bid by those who have the ear of Iran's leaders.
USA
World
Did Egypt free Ayman Nour as a gesture to Obama?
Britain to deport suspected terrorist Abu Qatada
Indonesia welcomes Clinton with songs – and a bit of shoe-throwing
Obama's housing speech triggers applause in unusual places
To connect with ‘real people,’ Obama veers out of the Beltway

For the first two weeks of his presidency, he holed up in Washington. Now, he’s crisscrossing the US.
Turkey could furnish a safe way home as US departs Iraq

The Habur Gate – a dusty two-lane checkpoint – may be one of the best routes out.
Letters to the Editor

Readers write about a cap-and-trade policy for CO2 emissions, why the West shouldn't lecture China about greenhouse-gases, the need for Afghanistan's neighbors to help contain the volatile country, and mandatory service in the US.
Opinion: Obama inherited a fiscal disaster. Now what?

Without swift action, gargantuan debts could soon destroy Uncle Sam's credit rating.
The Monitor's View: Obama's next test on bipartisanship

His drive to curb the rancor of Washington must continue with his picks for judges.
Obama mortgage aid targets distressed homeowners

The White House will use $75 billion to subsidize the loan payments of distressed mortgage-holders.
GM, Chrysler bailout: bankruptcy on the cheap

GM is asking the US Treasury for an extra $16.6 billion. Chrysler wants another $5 billion.
Fight against poverty unites Christian left and right

Liberal and conservative groups bridge some differences in new collaborative efforts to fight the problem.
Who’s to blame for automakers’ woes?

The industry itself bears some, but not all, of the responsibility, as GM and Chrysler seek more US aid.