Topic: Libya

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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.
When dictators fall, so do their banknotes

The following now defunct or possibly soon-to-be defunct banknotes are imbued with the symbols and iconography of their leaders, past and present.
5 reasons why Africa is not ready to meet its own security needs – yet

Africa’s experiment in a regional approach to security is serious and laudable, but it will take time to build credible capacity. Here are five reasons why Africa is not ready to meet its own security needs – yet.
Focus
The Monitor's top 11 US stories of 2012

From storms to politics, the year was a wild ride. What are the most meaningful US stories of 2012? Here's the Monitor's list, in roughly chronological order.
Briefing
Petraeus scandal: Did anything illegal happen? Five questions so far.

An investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation has now called into question the private lives and careers of two of the nation’s top national-security officials. Here is an accounting of what is known so far.

All Content

Change Agent Search for Common Ground uses TV soaps to promote peace

Now in its 30th year Search for Common Ground uses a variety of methods, including TV soap operas, to build peace and avoid conflict in 30 countries around the world.
Romney gains on Obama on foreign-policy issues, in time for next debate (+video)

Americans have a much-improved view of Mitt Romney's foreign-policy positions, but Obama still has the edge on which candidate would better handle international matters, a new poll shows. Monday's presidential debate is on foreign policy and national security.
How the Obama-Romney foreign-policy debate could determine the election

With turmoil increasing in world hot spots, foreign policy and national security have become major presidential campaign issues. From China to Israel, Iran to Syria, stateless terrorists to struggling alliances, Mitt Romney and Barack Obama will have plenty to debate Monday night.
Shelling in former Gaddafi stronghold demonstrates instability

Libya's leadership has struggled to impose their authority in a well-armed country. Opposing militias have been shelling Bani Walid, a former Gaddafi stronghold.
In town seen as pro-Qaddafi, settling of scores shifts into standoff with government

While Bani Walid is suspected of harboring Qaddafi loyalists, residents complain they are unfairly targeted. But Khamis Qaddafi, thought to have died last year, is now thought to have died in fighting there today.
Why the Benghazi terrorist attack still dogs Obama

When it comes up in the presidential candidates’ foreign policy debate Monday night, President Obama will have some serious explaining to do about the attack on the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya, last month that killed the US Ambassador and three other Americans.
Battleground Virginia: Defense cuts loom large in key US Senate race

In their last debate in the Virginia Senate race, George Allen and Tim Kaine clashed over how to avoid some $55 billion in mandated defense cuts set to begin Jan. 1. Allen would take more from social programs; Kaine would raise taxes on the wealthiest Americans.
Libya: Militia commander under investigation (+video)

American media reports have suggested Ahmed Abu Khattala was the leader of the September attacks that killed four, including U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens. The investigation is ongoing.
Mystery deepens about US enemy No. 1 in Libya

Press reports said Libyan officials identified Ahmed Abu Khattalah as the leader of the assault on the US consulate in Benghazi.
Backchannels What really happened in Benghazi?

Well, I still have no idea. But apparently a mastermind has been named.
Decoder Wire Presidential debate 101: When did Obama label Libya attack 'terror'?

In a narrow sense, Mitt Romney was wrong when he said at the presidential debate that Obama took weeks to describe the consulate attack in Libya as an act of 'terror.' But in a larger sense, Romney isn’t wrong.
Opinion: R.I.P. town-hall presidential debates

In Tuesday’s presidential debate moderated by Candy Crowley, both candidates focused more on delivering their prepared quips and the equality of timekeeping than directly answering voters' questions. The town-hall debate has not lived up to its promise. It is time to try a fresh format.
Backchannels Getting in on the Benghazi blame game

Here's a list of where you should really be looking if you enjoy finger-pointing.
Decoder Wire 'Binders full of women': a revealing remark from Romney, or a sideshow?

'Binders full of women' is already the most memorable phrase of the second presidential debate, showing just how much the 2012 campaign revolves around issues narrowly targeted to specific groups – a strategy of the Obama campaign.
Robert Reich Presidential debate: Obama is back

President Obama seemed steady and relaxed in last night's presidential debate, Reich writes, a departure from Obama's rigid and passive performance in the first presidential debate.
The Vote Viewing the Romney-Obama debate in battleground Ohio: a tribal experience

There's much cheering and a close watch on social media as two partisan crowds in Ohio, a state that could swing the election, track the ebb and flow of momentum in Tuesday's presidential debate.
Candy Crowley: How did she do as moderator of the presidential debate?

Candy Crowley was the first woman to moderate a presidential debate in 20 years. She stepped into the debate to correct a Mitt Romney statement about Libya. Democrats hailed Candy Crowley's intercession, while many Republicans called it out of line.
'Binders full of women': What's the social media buzz about?

'Binders full of women': Romney used the phrase in answering a question about income equality for women. 'Binders full of women' now has a Twitter hashtag, and at least 20 Facebook accounts.
Decoder Wire Has Obama reenergized Democrats with debate performance? (+video)

Obama’s forceful performance Tuesday night is likely to quiet Democrats’ doubts and help energize them for the tough final weeks of the campaign. Snap surveys judged Obama the winner, but the big question is whether his slide in the polls will stop now.
Round 2: President Obama turns up the heat in combative debate (+video)

In a shift from the usual style of a town-hall debate, both Obama and Romney used the questions – and the physical space on stage – to directly challenge each other and, on occasion, the moderator.
Will Obama challenge Romney in their second debate?

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney used the first debate to turn his campaign around, while President Barack Obama lost ground. Tuesday night's debate, the second of three, will provide Obama with the opportunity for a rematch.
By taking Benghazi blame, will Hillary Clinton help or harm Obama?

By taking responsibility for the security failure, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton appeared to be trying to shield her boss, a president locked in a tight reelection battle, from further political fallout.
Opinion: Politics around Benghazi tragedy distract us from bigger issues in Middle East

Deflecting some of the heat the Romney campaign has aimed at President Obama and Joe Biden for the attack on the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton claimed responsibility for the security of US diplomats. America’s blind focus on avenging terrorism diverts us from asking hard questions about its historical roots – and our dubious alliances today.
Focus Iran sanctions: playing the long game

Iran has endured three decades of US sanctions. Have they worked? Yes and no.
Hillary Clinton shoulders blame for Libya consulate security

Hillary Clinton tells critics of the attack at the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya: "I take responsibility." Clinton says White House would not have known about requests for more security.