Topic: Jimmy Carter

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FISA 101: 10 key dates in the evolution of NSA surveillance

When news of the PRISM data collection and surveillance program broke in early June 2013, it shook up the cyber security debate, and called into question just how much information the US government is authorized to collect. But government data collection isn’t something that just sprang up out of nowhere – it just sprang into national attention after former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden leaked government documents about the secret government agency. Here’s a brief list of post-9/11 legislation and surveillance programs to add a historical perspective to the current government surveillance debate.

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FISA 101: 10 key dates in the evolution of NSA surveillance

When news of the PRISM data collection and surveillance program broke in early June 2013, it shook up the cyber security debate, and called into question just how much information the US government is authorized to collect. But government data collection isn’t something that just sprang up out of nowhere – it just sprang into national attention after former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden leaked government documents about the secret government agency. Here’s a brief list of post-9/11 legislation and surveillance programs to add a historical perspective to the current government surveillance debate.
Did detained American's Christianity scare North Korean regime?

North Korea's sentencing of a detained American to 15 years hard labor could be an attention-getting ploy. But Kenneth Bae is a devout Christian, and 'the regime is scared to death of Christianity.'
Chapter & Verse 'Prisoners of the White House': how Obama (and other leaders) become isolated

Kenneth Walsh's new book discusses the seclusion of life in 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., including some behind-the-scenes looks at the Obamas' daily life.
The Monitor's View In a gathering of presidents, a model for Washington

Five current and past US presidents met Thursday for the dedication of the George W. Bush presidential library The conviviality and civility should set a standard for politicians.
Chorus grows against Obama administration's sanctions-heavy Iran policy

The Obama administration's effort to end Iran's nuclear program has focused on punitive measures, with little diplomatic outreach. Critics say this jeopardizes negotiations.
Decoder Wire George W. Bush poll numbers up. Does America miss him yet?

George W. Bush left office with a 23 percent approval rating, but now, as his presidential library is about to open in Dallas, he's back up to 47 percent. But he's got a way to catch Bill Clinton.
Time for a preemptive strike against North Korea? Some say yes.

A University of Texas professor argues for a strike against North Korea in a New York Times op-ed. Some US military planners are sympathetic to the idea, while others accuse him of being a warmonger.
Editor's Blog What does amnesty accomplish?

The last big immigration amnesty in the United States took place in 1986. As the US considers immigration reform, the Monitor examines the costs and benefits of that decision -- and catches up with some of the almost 3 million people it affected.
Latin America Monitor Venezuelans pour into Plaza Bolivar to honor Chávez's socialist revolution (+video)

As news of the death of President Hugo Chávez spread, Venezuelans rushed to downtown Caracas, many wearing red in honor of their socialist commandante.
Global Viewpoint ‘Argo’ helps Iran’s dictatorship, harms democracy

Abolhassan Bani-Sadr, the first president of the Islamic Republic of Iran after the 1979 revolution, says that by falsifying, misrepresenting, and taking critical facts out of context, the Academy-Award winning film 'Argo' delivers a pro-CIA message at the cost of the Iranian people and history.
Does Mitt Romney have a political life after losing the presidency? (+video)

In his first post-election interview, Mitt Romney tells Fox News why he thinks he lost: failure to connect with minorities and the devastating impact of his '47 percent' comment. He hopes to have a future in the Republican Party, but as 'the guy who lost,' that's uncertain.
Behind-the-scenes deal pushes immigration reform closer to reality

The US Chamber of Commerce and the AFL-CIO came up with a framework for solving one of the thorniest issues in immigration reform. The agreement shows momentum is growing.
Supreme Court declines, but execution gets last-minute stay

The US Supreme Court and Georgia State Supreme Court both declined to stay the execution of Warren Lee Hill, but the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals stayed the execution to see if he is mentally disabled.
Global Viewpoint The US-China relationship is vital to global stability. Good thing it isn't doomed.

President Obama and China's incoming president Xi Jinping should meet to revalidate and re-energize the US-China relationship. Whether this relationship is vital and robust, or weak and full of suspicion, will affect the whole world.
Presidential yacht fight heats up in Delaware

Sequoia Presidential Yacht Group claims in a Chancery Court lawsuit filed late last week that FE Partners reneged on a $5 million loan agreement in a 'dastardly' plan to take control of the historic vessel.
A quiet envoy to the hermit kingdom of North Korea

A Korean-American scholar named Kun A. 'Tony' Namkung plays a significant behind-the-scenes role in exchanges between the US and North Korea.
What is it about an inauguration that lightens the mood on Capitol Hill?

At a post-inaugural lunch on Capitol Hill, Obama and US lawmakers put rancor aside, and comity and laughter presided. On Inauguration Day, at least, Washington can still get along.
Opinion India gang rape: Why US should ratify UN treaty on women's rights

The gang rape and death of a student in India, which has sparked protests there to change cultural views on women, should remind the United States why it’s high time to ratify the UN 'bill of rights' for women. American criticism of the treaty is based on misconceptions.
Opinion Beyond the 'fiscal cliff': 6 reasons to be optimistic about America's future

As Americans take stock of 2012 and gear up for 2013, it's tempting to adopt "decline think" about the country, especially since there is still no deal to avoid the "fiscal cliff" of steep budget cuts and tax increases. But here are six reasons Americans should still be optimistic about their future.
Why North Korea has arrested an American citizen

North Korea says Kenneth Bae, a tour operator from Washington state, has "committed a crime against North Korea" and has confessed his crime. Could Kenneth Bae be a new bargaining chip in sanctions talks?
Sandy hook shooting: Was Adam Lanza lashing out against treatment? (+video)

Two media reports suggest that Sandy Hook shooter Adam Lanza's mother was seeking mental-health treatment for him – perhaps including involuntary commitment. Experts say seeking treatment against someone's will is fraught with difficulties.
Protesters in Egypt clash over draft constitution on eve of referendum

At least 19 people were reported injured in the violence in Alexandria, which broke out after an ultraconservative cleric urged worshippers to vote 'yes' and described the opposition as 'followers of infidels.'
Should estate tax rise in a 'fiscal cliff' deal? Why some ultra-rich say yes.

While much of the focus in the 'fiscal cliff' debate has been on income taxes, the group of wealthy Americans says an estate tax 'promotes democracy by slowing the concentration of wealth and power.'
Decoder Wire Has the White House turkey pardon jumped the shark? (+video)

The annual Thanksgiving turkey pardon, dating back to JFK, is now a highly choreographed affair, involving two turkeys, their 'bios,' and a Facebook vote to decide who gets to be the official White House bird.
Obama's impact on oil, gas? Not much.

Many fossil fuels companies fared better under President Obama than President Bush, because of lag effects. Even if he Obama pursues an energy policy hostile to oil or gas, its impact probably won't be felt for several years.