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
How the tables have turned: The Internal Revenue Service is the one under the microscope now, as revelations emerged Friday 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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Great expectations for Obama abroad
Team Obama is more pragmatic and less ideological than its predecessors, say diplomats and campaign advisers. Afghanistan will be a foreign-policy priority.
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World
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Richardson withdrawal jars transition
The candidate for secretary of Commerce faced pressure from a federal investigation into one of his political donors.
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Opinion: Public diplomacy begins with you
To revive America's image in the world, we all must be citizen diplomats.
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Opinion: Stop picking on Jimmy Carter
He suffers from an egregiously unfair reputation. His record, though, shows he was quite a good president.
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The Monitor's View: Israel's Gaza surge
The invasion has yet to reveal if Israel plans to end Hamas or just its rocket capability.
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NASA climate scientist pens personal appeal to Obama
James Hansen, one of the world's most eminent climate scientists, and his wife, Anniek, have written an open letter to Barack and Michelle Obama on the urgency of the need to halt global warming.
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A World of Trouble
New York Times correspondent Patrick Tyler analyzes 50 years of US policy in the Mideast.
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Obama likely to retool Bush’s faith-based initiative
Thorniest issue is over staffing for religious groups whose programs get federal funding. Can hiring be limited to adherents of their own faith?
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Congress returns to an 'intense' opening
There’s impetus to move quickly on the economy though some seats are empty.
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For Africa, 2008 a year to forget
Across the continent, rigged elections, ethnic violence, and failed power-sharing pacts hand Africa significant challenges to tackle in 2009.
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Cuba celebrates 50 years of revolution
This weekend, Cubans reflect on Fidel Castro's legacy: universal healthcare and a strong education system, but limits on freedom of expression and the struggle under a US embargo.
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Afghanistan and Pakistan take center stage in 2009
Under Obama, the US may send 20,000 more troops and encourage talks with the Taliban in an effort to reclaim the upper hand in Afghanistan.
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Will stimulus plans go global?
Efforts outside the US tend to amount to 1.5 percent of GDP or less, one tally finds.
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Opinion: The meaning of the 'Oval' Office
In the room with two centers of power, there's a place for us, too.
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The Monitor's View: Obama's big oil decision
Bush opened the door to oil shale, a huge energy source. Will Obama close the door too soon?
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Will Obama ‘deimperialize’ the presidency?
He has criticized Bush’s attempts to trump Congress, especially on war issues.
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With no one in charge, Illinois grinds to halt
The scandal involving Governor Blagojevich is delaying key budget decisions.
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Unexpected twists make 2008 an epochal year
The financial crisis, war on two fronts, and, above all, the US election make 2008 historic.
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Opinion: Gaza crisis: a crossroads for Obama
It could bring renewal – if Obama is bold enough to stand up to Israel.
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Treasury keeps car loans flowing with $6 billion rescue of GMAC
GMAC's president says the federal money will have an immediate impact on the credit it can offer General Motors customers.
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2008’s most intriguing, fun, and brave technologies
Column: Tom Regan rolls through the year’s clever devices and creative decisions
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How underground 'hot rocks' could power America’s future
With enough investment, geothermal power could satisfy 10 percent of the US energy diet, energy experts say.
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Race reemerges as issue for GOP
A controversial parody raises broader questions about the Republican Party’s outreach.
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Defiant Blagojevich announces replacement for Obama's Senate seat
His pick, former Illinois attorney general Burris, is well-regarded but lost his last four campaigns.
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