Topic: The Washington Post Company

All Content

Woman to head CIA's clandestine service?

For the first time in CIA history, a woman may head the spy agency's clandestine service. But her connection to abusive treatment of terrorist suspects at 'black sites' has brought criticism.
More Americans willing to let illegal immigrants stay, poll finds

But there's less clarity on what the public wants legal status to look like. Fewer than half, for instance, approve of a 'pathway to citizenship' for illegal immigrants who meet criteria, says the Pew poll.
Gods and Beasts

Denise Mina's latest spins a web of Glasgow connections and corruption.
Robert Reich Why don't politicians listen to public opinion on the economy?

Why are politicians so sensitive to public opinion on equal marriage rights, immigration, and guns – Reich asks – and so tone deaf to what most Americans want on the economy?
John Roberts: Chief Justice victim of credit-card fraud

John Roberts: A Supreme Court spokeswoman said someone got hold of one of John Roberts's credit card account numbers. The court did not provide any other details.
CSMonitor editors share their favorite people to follow on Twitter

Twitter turned 7 this week. In celebration of the social network's birthday, The Christian Science Monitor compiled a list of favorite Twitter accounts. Each is informative and useful in its own way. Find out what each section recommends for you.
Modern Parenthood Bo Obama asked out by lady Goldendoodle to Oregon dog fundraiser

Bo Obama, the gentlemanly dressed First Dog, was asked by a Goldendoodle named Ramona to escort her to the Portland, Ore., Doggie Dash fundraiser for the Oregon Humane Society. Ramona addressed Bo Obama in a YouTube video and wrote the FDOTUS a letter.
Poll: support for gay marriage soars to record high 58 percent

Washington Post/ABC News poll shows 'remarkable transformation in public attitudes' toward gay marriage, pollster says. Americans also want issue decided on basis of Constitution, not in state law.
Terrorism & Security War draws closer to Lebanon with Syrian threat of attack

In an ominous turn, Syria warned Lebanon today against continuing to provide refuge for rebels battling the Assad regime, saying its restraint was limited.
Paul Ryan's tax numbers: Just 'magic asterisks'? (+video)

Paul Ryan's proposed budget envisions lower and simpler tax brackets even as it projects tax revenues as a higher percentage of GDP. Some suggest he'll need magic as well as math to get there.
Washington sinkhole: What's with all the sinkholes anyway?

The appearance of a small sinkhole Tuesday has closed down an entire block in Washington D.C. Why are there so many sinkholes?
The Vote The war on Sarah Palin's Christmas book (+video)

News that Sarah Palin is writing a book about Christmas has led to an explosion of comment in social-media spaces. Here are the most likely ramifications of this Palin development.
US tells China to halt cyberattacks, and in a first, lays out demands

Obama's national security adviser, Thomas Donilon, spelled out a more aggressive US stance on the cyberattacks, saying China must recognize the problem, investigate it, and join in a dialogue.
Modern Parenthood Facebook exec Sheryl Sandberg: Will her 'Lean In' reignite Mommy wars?

Facebook exec Sheryl Sandberg: We love to make heroes out of women who succeed in traditionally male-dominated roles and then be catty about their success as we claw out the eyes that were on the prize. Chill on the Mommy wars.
Decoder Wire Rand Paul filibuster fallout: Are Democrats his real allies?

By taking on the White House over its drone policy and civil liberties, Rand Paul echoed concerns of liberal Democrats. But only one helped him during his filibuster, showing how tribal D.C. is.
10 most controversial authors (in recent memory)

These writers have all sold plenty of books – and taken quite a lot of flak.
Rand Paul: GOP party leader or destined for Ron Paul backwater? (+video)

Sen. Rand Paul’s filibuster pushed him into the national political spotlight. But can he broaden his exposure and base of support beyond what his father, Rep. Ron Paul, was able to achieve?
Jeb Bush: Is the world ready for a third Bush in the White House? (+video)

Jeb Bush hit the TV talk shows Sunday, mainly to promote his book on immigration and explain his apparent shift on any 'path to citizenship.' But the question of 2016 inevitably came up, and the former Florida governor tried to deflect any notion that he might run.
Harvest

This atmospheric tale begins with an 18th-century village in flames and builds to a soaring drama.
Decoder Wire Rand Paul rising: Has filibuster made him US political star? (+video)

Some Republicans saw the filibuster performance by Sen. Rand Paul as a morale boost for the party. He aimed to spark a broader discussion about the possible domestic use of armed drones.
Terrorism & Security Syrian rebels: UN peacekeepers captured in Golan are our 'guests' (+video)

A hostage situation that began when Syrian rebels captured UN peacekeepers working in the Golan Heights yesterday seems to be rapidly deescalating as the captors scale back their threats.
How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia

Mohsin Hamid's wry novel is accessible as well as exotic.
Decoder Wire Donald Trump invited to speak at CPAC. Is that a good idea?

Donald Trump also spoke at CPAC in 2011, when he was toying with the idea of running for president. This year, CPAC has not extended invitations to GOP Govs. Chris Christie or Bob McDonnell.
Energy Voices Are environmentalists wrong about the Keystone XL pipeline?

Whether the Keystone XL pipeline is or isn’t approved, the real story here is the world’s growing demand for oil, Rapier writes. The only way to stop it is to curb demand, he adds, not try to cut off the Keystone XL pipeline and other supplies.
Mystery drone near JFK airport: FBI seeks public's help in investigation (+video)

A commercial pilot reported seeing a drone loitering near his aircraft as he was preparing to land on Monday. The FAA has tried to go to great lengths to make sure drones do not collide with piloted aircraft.