Topic: NAFTA

Obama's full-court press to make up with business community

Obama has named economist Gene Sperling as head of the National Economic Council. The president has made other moves to patch up relations with the business community.

Border deaths for illegal immigrants hit record high in Arizona sector

The number of bodies recovered in the Tucson sector hit a record high in fiscal 2010, even as the number of illegal immigrants crossing the border declined.

Will Obama's rift with the left matter?

The left is hopping mad, not just that Obama cut a tax-cut deal with Republicans, but that he didn't put up much of a fight. But the breach may help him woo back independent voters in time for the 2012 election.

The Monitor's View: South Korea trade pact: US beachhead for pacts with Japan, China

Congress should approve the tentative trade agreement with South Korea. It's a model for what the US should get from China and Japan.

Can Obama, Lee sell lawmakers on US-South Korea free trade deal?

Just as hopes were fading for the US-South Korea Free Trade Agreement, negotiators came to terms on prying open the South Korean motor vehicle market to placate angry US carmakers and labor unions.

Will tea party allies in Congress balk at international trade pacts?

As Obama presses for on a free-trade deal with Korea, where does the tea party stand? Polls say tea partyers do not favor trade pacts, but for many of their allies in Congress, it's a new issue.

Obama's Asia trip: the free trade conundrum

Obama will press for countries at the G20 summit to adopt measures for addressing trade imbalances. Also, the Obama administration recently stepped up talks with South Korea on modifying the free trade agreement with the US.

Obama's Asia visit: Do free trade deals really boost economies?

President Obama hopes to ink a US-South Korea free trade agreement Thursday. Trade deals among Asian countries are all the rage, but some say they may not have much impact.

Opinion: Will GOP really take on Big Government -- and Obama's straw-man attacks?

The problem for Republicans after Tuesday’s election is that Americans are opposed to Big Government, but only at a high level of abstraction. Translating that general sentiment into specific program cuts that are popular, or even tolerated, is the hard part.

US jobs: In China trade fight, does protectionism help, or hurt?

Congress is considering legislation that would punish China for devaluing its currency, a policy the Obama administration regards as hindering US jobs growth. But some say protectionism is even more costly.

The most important governor's race? Why top politicians are flocking to Ohio.

The party that controls the Ohio governor's mansion can have an impact on presidential elections, so the race is seeing a jolt of high-profile endorsements as the candidates try to place blame over the state's job losses.

Dan Rostenkowski: a Washington giant, a casualty of scandal

Dan Rostenkowski, once called one of the nation's most power politicians, died Wednesday. His lengthy political career in Washington began in 1958 and ended amid scandal in 1994.

US-Mexico tensions darken visit of President Felipe Calderón

Drug violence, trade, and border issues – including Arizona’s new immigration law – are among the difficult issues to be discussed when Mexican President Felipe Calderón visits Washington Wednesday.

Today's topics: Mexico, teen obesity, redistricting, Arizona, health care

Mexico's war on drugs is a disaster

President Calderon’s war on drugs has claimed nearly 18,000 lives, cost a small fortune in military expenditures, and brought enormous damage to the country’s image abroad. Obama must help Mexico adopt a new strategy.

Opinion: Mexico's war on drugs is a disaster

President Calderon’s war on drugs has claimed nearly 18,000 lives, cost a small fortune in military expenditures, and brought enormous damage to the country’s image abroad. Obama must help Mexico adopt a new strategy.

Ron Kirk rejects any 'timeout' on new NAFTA-like free trade pacts

Ron Kirk, US trade representative, wants lawmakers to push ahead on new free trade pacts. Some Democrats advocate a timeout to assess the effects of existing accords such as NAFTA.

Could the US use a little protectionism?

Though it's a dirty word in many circles, a little protectionism might be good for the US.

US foot-dragging dims hopes for world trade deal

Chances of world trade deal look remote in part because the US has other bigger priorities.

One year after his election, what has Obama achieved?

Obama got off to a quick start. But almost one year after winning the presidency, his deeds are at risk of paling next to his aspirations.

Obama strikes note of unity at Mexico summit

Despite human rights concerns, President Obama affirmed support of President Felipe Calderón's aggressive war on drug trafficking during Monday's North America Summit in Guadalajara.

Transcript of Rahm Emanuel Monitor Breakfast

Obama's new tune on trade

Candidate Obama opposed new free-trade agreements and wanted to renegotiate NAFTA. A global slump has changed his mind.

The Monitor's View: At G-20, is Obama sincere about open trade?

His actions toward protectionism speak louder than his words.