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Terrorism & Security Syria's violence continues its march across borders, into Iraq

Dozens of Syrian Army soldiers were killed yesterday while in Iraq seeking temporary refuge from fighting with rebels. They were ambushed by suspected Al Qaeda-affiliated militants.
Obama, Republicans maneuver over sequester, government shut-down

Two days after sequester-driven budget cuts went into effect, both sides in the battle – Republican lawmakers and the Obama White House – went into a 'Plan B' of sorts.
Bradley Manning pleads guilty to some WikiLeaks charges (+video)

Army Pfc. Bradley Manning has pleaded guilty to charges that he broke military rules in providing classified information to WikiLeaks. But he denies the more serious charges of aiding the enemy during wartime, for which he still faces a court martial.
Decoder Wire Bob Woodward vs. the White House: Who's right in 'sequester' smackdown? (+video)

The White House is taking public issue with veteran journalist Bob Woodward over his words about about the origin and nature of the 'sequester.' Both sides have points, but there are at least three reasons Team Obama might regret this match.
Decoder Wire Chuck Hagel will be secretary of Defense. What did GOP opposition accomplish?

The Senate approves former Sen. Chuck Hagel as Defense secretary after weeks of Republican opposition. Hagel emerges politically weaker as he prepares to fight pending budget cuts.
Why most Americans are yawning over 'sequester' – and why that matters

Only 1 in 4 Americans is following the debate over 'the sequester,' and even fewer say they understand it, a new poll shows. If the spending cuts take effect and more people pay attention, Obama's public support could slip.
Decoder Wire Michelle Obama announces 'Best Picture' at Oscars. Was that appropriate? (+video)

Michelle Obama appeared via satellite from the White House, announcing that 'Argo' had won. Many Best Picture contenders had political themes.
Why are Bob Woodward and the White House arguing over the sequester?

The blame-game over who’s responsible for the 'sequester' and its automatic spending cuts finds journalistic icon Bob Woodward, engaged in a dispute with the White House.
Sequester: 'It's your fault....No, your fault!' (+video)

With just five days to go until the sequester's automatic spending cuts kick in, what's Washington doing about it? Not negotiating like responsible adults, but mainly pointing fingers of blame.
Sequester and public opinion? Advantage Obama. (+video)

With just days until the 'sequester' and its automatic spending cuts kicks in, President Obama seems to have the advantage with high poll ratings and a message seen as more compelling.
US-Japan leaders discuss trade, China, and North Korea

President Obama met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Friday. Major topics included Japan's joining a regional trade pact, North Korea's recent nuclear test, and a Japan-China territorial dispute.
Adopted Russian child's death: What is known about the case so far

The death of Max Shatto, a toddler adopted from Russia, brings grief to a Texas town and fires up protests in Russia, where a ban on US adoptions has taken on a cold-war tone.
Backchannels Egypt's political elites and their estrangement from the poor

Evidence abounds that Egypt's political elite, both within and outside of its ruling Muslim Brotherhood, aren't engaged with the issue that brought them to power.
Hacker takes over Burger King Twitter account

Unknown hacker uses Burger King Twitter account to tweet that the chain was sold to McDonalds and putting a McDonalds logo on the account's background picture. Hacking of Burger King account follows several cybersecurity breaches at corporations.
Key Republicans say Chuck Hagel now likely to be confirmed

Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham have led the opposition to Chuck Hagel's nomination to be secretary of defense. Now, both say former Sen. Hagel is likely to be confirmed.
Cover Story Future hangs on misunderstood majority of gun owners

Gun control seen through the eyes of the misunderstood majority of gun owners is more nuanced and complex than the absolutism of America's big gun lobbies. The Obama administration is courting this breed of centrist, gun-friendly Americans on the fence about gun control.
Cruise ship drama: How to survive on an 893-foot life raft

Tourists turned survivors got back to basics and formed a temporary colony onboard the paralyzed Carnival Triumph.
State of the Union 2013: A step forward on housing?

President Obama's State of the Union address included a proposal to extend refinancing to a wider section of homeowners, giving the economy a boost. But such proposals have languished before, so this time Mr. Obama may resort to executive action.
In Gear My Nissan Leaf life: the Times's Tesla mistake

The New York Times report of a Tesla's failed test drive misses the point. You can't bring gas-powered car expectations to an all-electric vehicle.
Chuck Hagel, John Brennan threatened with Senate 'hold.' What's that? (+video)

GOP Sen. Lindsay Graham may put a 'hold' on Senate votes to confirm Chuck Hagel to head the Pentagon and John Brennan the CIA, citing a need for more information about the Benghazi, Libya, terrorist attacks. How that would work.
Will John Brennan get hit hard for drone policies in Senate hearing? (+video)

John Brennan, President Obama's pick for CIA director, is sure to get an earful from some senators about the administration’s rationale for drone strikes against terror suspects, including US citizens.
Immigration reform 101: Should illegal immigrants be offered citizenship path?

As the immigration reform debate intensifies, some lawmakers propose a middle ground between deportation and citizenship for illegal immigrants. Critics say that will create a permanent underclass.
Can a kinder, gentler Eric Cantor 'rebrand' Republicans?

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor says he hopes to work with President Obama on education, health care, immigration, and other issues, but House Whip Steny Hoyer dismisses this 'fourth rebranding.'
Terrorism & Security Could North Korea be planning multiple nuclear tests? (+video)

North Korea says it plans 'higher level' test as part of its military deterrent in its confrontation with the United States. South Korea says that's code for multiple nuclear tests.
Debt limit: Link any increase to spending cuts? Majority in poll says yes.

The results of the Monitor/TIPP poll – some 75 percent of respondents said the debt limit and spending should be linked – mesh with other surveys that cite rising concerns about deficits.