Topic: Tommy Vietor

USA Update White House releases Benghazi e-mails. Will that quiet critics? (+video)

The White House has released 100 pages of e-mails related to its handling of the terrorist attack on a US diplomatic facility in Benghazi, Libya. They present a fuller picture of a chaotic situation, but are unlikely to quiet critics questioning the administration's 'talking points' at the time.

Susan Rice's surprise withdrawal saves Obama a fight (+video)

UN ambassador Susan Rice, once perceived as a natural replacement for Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State, has withdrawn her name from the nomination process. It now seems likely that President Obama will pick Senator John Kerry for the role. 

Gen. John Allen: How top US commander got caught up in Petraeus scandal (+video)

Gen. John Allen, the top US commander in Afghanistan, is now the subject of an FBI investigation for alleged "inappropriate communications" with Jill Kelley, a married socialite in Florida. Gen. John Allen denies any wrongdoing.

Iran and US can agree on one thing: There are no direct talks planned

Iran's foreign minister echoed White House denials that the two countries are scheduled to have direct bilateral negotiations on Iran's nuclear program.

More than a decade after 9-11: Are Americans any safer from terrorists?

Combined military, intelligence, diplomatic, and financial efforts have disabled al-Qaida, pushing the fear of terrorism to the back of most Americans' minds. 

Iran's charm offensive at NAM summit thwarted by Syria, nuclear work

Iran's effort to prove that international isolation efforts have failed was undermined by discord with the UN and Egypt over its nuclear work and continued support for Syria's President Assad.

Navy SEAL book on bin Laden raid contradicts White House accounts (+video)

Osama bin Laden was not armed, and posed no threat when the Al Qaeda leader was fatally shot by Navy SEALs, says the first-hand account by a Navy SEAL on the raid. The book goes on sale Sept. 4.

US eases sanctions, allows companies to do business with Myanmar

After 15 years of sanctions, the US will allow investment in Myanmar again. The move was the latest in a three-year push to normalize diplomatic relations with Myanmar.

US ambassador taps Facebook to drive wedge between Syrian military and Assad

Using social media, US Ambassador Robert Ford warns Syrian military officers they could be prosecuted for crimes against humanity by following President Bashar al-Assad’s orders.

G8 summit moved to Camp David last-minute

The G8 summit, planned for Chicago, will instead be hosted at Camp David.  The White House says the change was not in response to the possibility of protests.

Is Obama weak on Iran? GOP sees hot issue in crisis over nuclear program.

The growing international crisis over Iran's nuclear program and Americans' preference that US military action be avoided if possible presents an extra challenge to Obama's reelection efforts.

Obama's Iran policy shifted from outreach to pressure and sanctions

Obama intended to go the extra mile on engagement, his aides said, so if the gambit failed, allies and adversaries alike could not point the finger at the United States as the 'bad guy.' Instead, they would rally behind the effort to pressure Iran.

US uncovers $1.5 million Iranian plot to kill Saudi ambassador

A plan by Iranian government agents to assassinate Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the US has been thwarted, US Attorney General Eric Holder announced Tuesday.

If Palestinian rift is healed, does that help US aims in Middle East?

Analysts see some good news for the US, but mostly bad in a Palestinian rift-ending accord. The deal is also seen as a hint of things to come in the increasingly democratic Middle East.

George Clooney presses Obama for commitment on Sudan

George Clooney, who recently returned from Sudan, is asking President Obama and the international community to take measures to prevent violence ahead of the country's Jan. 9 election.

Sarah Shourd bail set at $500k, family appeals to authorities

Sarah Shourd: In Washington, White House spokesman Tommy Vietor said the Obama administration is in close contact with the families of the detained hikers and the Swiss Embassy.

Somalia's Al Shabab claims responsibility for Uganda bombings

The Al Qaeda-linked Al Shabab militant group says it carried out twin Uganda bombings that killed at least 74 people and wounded scores more during the World Cup final Sunday. It's Al Shabab's first attack outside of Somalia.

At White House, the Dalai Lama sidesteps trash

When the Dalai Lama went to exit the White House Thursday via the back door, a mound of trash awaited him.

Gibbs: Resistance to Obama school speech just plain 'silly'

Obama school speech suddenly a prickly topic for educators

Obama to Biden: Please quit talking!

McCain staffers attempt to derail McCain's campaign

Obama, Biden declare war on McCain campaign tactics

Dem convention: Hey, where's the Biden bounce?

As Afghanistan boils, McCain keeps focus on Iraq

For voters, a resurgent Taliban may challenge McCain's view that Iraq is the center of the war on terror.