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.

All Content

Yes, you can make a difference

Those who volunteer learn that it provides multiple payoffs.
Political websites: Clocks that never stop.

The presidential election may be over, but those covering politics have plenty to write about.
Publishers cash in on Obama book boom
Barnes & Noble interview with Khaled Hosseini
Geithner headlines Obama’s economic team of familiar faces

The New York Fed president is known for his insights on ‘90s international crises.
Is Kashmir key to Afghan peace?

Barack Obama says resolving the Indian-Pakistani dispute over Kashmir will be a goal of his presidency, ending eight years of silence on the issue.
USA
An Obama dog: for the kids ... and the country

Presidential dogs have served as distractions for the press, image enhancers, and even tools of foreign policy.
Prospect of Geithner at Treasury buoys markets. Will it last?

An auto bailout, a second stimulus package, and foreclosure help are on hold as Washington awaits the new administration.
Record crowd for Obama inauguration?
Iran: Will talks happen under Obama?

A period of reestablishing relations with Iran's partners seems likely. Also expect contacts with lower-tier Iranian officials.
Opinion: What to do with Guantánamo's detainees

Saudi Arabia's rehabilitation plan works. Imitate it.
The Monitor's View: Obama's key nonappointment: Bernanke

The Fed chief is needed to slay the dragon of deflation. But Bernanke must be careful.
Horizon highlights – Planning ahead edition
Al Qaeda No. 2 insults Obama with racial slur in new video

In what terrorism analysts say is an attempt to show that the president-elect may not meet Muslims' expectations for change in the Middle East, Ayman al-Zawahiri called Obama 'dishonorable.'
USA
A Low Profile Birthday for Joe Biden
How would Hillary Clinton do as top US diplomat?

Some raise questions, but most analysts – left and right – think she’s qualified.
Arizona Governor Napolitano tapped as new Homeland Security chief

The vocal immigration reformer brings border-state experience to the post.
Petraeus had Bush's ear. Will Mike Mullen have Obama's?

The Joint Chiefs chairman may come closer to the views of the new president.
Letters to the Editor

Readers write about the US government's role in the global tobacco industry, whether the Democrats will end partisanship in Washington, and Europe's reaction to the election of Barack Obama.
Opinion: Secretary of State Clinton?

In Hillary, Obama would be launching a superstar diplomat.
The Monitor's View: Obama as 'science president'

The US needs to back research and education that can solve problems like climate change.
Review round-up: BlackBerry Storm
National Book Award prizes announced