Topic: Washington, DC

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Playing the IRS card: Six presidents who used the IRS to bash political foes

Since the advent of the federal income tax about a century ago, several presidents – or their zealous underlings – have directed the IRS to use its formidable police powers to harass or punish enemies, political rivals, and administration critics. Here are six infamous episodes.
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.
3 priorities for Pakistan's new government

After 14 years, Nawaz Sharif is back at the helm in Pakistan. The nuclear-armed country faces a welter of problems, from terrorism to tensions with Afghanistan, India, and the United States. To move Pakistan forward, Mr. Sharif must focus on three priorities.
Briefing
Chechnya: How a remote Russian republic became linked with terrorism

The main suspects in the Boston Marathon bombing are two brothers from Chechnya, a Russian republic that has been the scene of cyclical revolts and brutal crackdowns for the past 200 years.
4 ways US can boost cyber security

The US needs a proactive cyber foreign policy that goes beyond naming and shaming. Here are four steps the US can take to bolster its diplomatic efforts to address cybersecurity threats.

All Content

Down to the wire on California's budget crisis

As voters face ballot measures, critics say Governor Schwarzenegger is using scare tactics.
Obama reaches across political divide for envoy to China

Governor Jon Huntsman of Utah is a Republican moderate and China expert seen as a possible presidential candidate.
Could Taliban get keys to Pakistan's A-bomb?

Experts see the Islamic fighters as less of a risk than radical insiders gaining access to nuclear materials.
Pressed on Palestinian state, Netanyahu changes the subject – to Iran

Ahead of his Monday meeting with Obama, who supports a two-state solution, the Israeli prime minister wants to make Iran's nuclear ambitions the focus of regional diplomacy.
Catholics astir over Obama's speech at Notre Dame

Opposition to his appearance at Sunday's commencement puts new attention on Catholic sensibilities – and on the president's stance on abortion and stem-cell research.
Nancy Pelosi goes toe-to-toe with the CIA

The Democratic lawmaker is under fire over her knowledge of harsh interrogation measures. What did she know and when did she know it?
A campus – and a whole town – await the first lady

The recession-hit town of Merced and its University of California campus hope for a big boost from Michelle Obama’s commencement speech Saturday.
Courts divided on police use of GPS tracking

Two recent, divergent court rulings on warrantless tracking suggest new technologies are straining old privacy standards.
Opinion: Do you get the Millennial Generation?

Until recently, MTV didn't – and paid a price. Millennial values, typefied in "The Devil Wears Prada," may surprise you.
Who will pay for mounting federal and trade deficits?

Our children and grandchildren, yes. But the running trade deficit gets a little trickier.
Why green-power premiums may fade

Pricier options may become obsolete if government requires utilities to bring more renewables on line.
Wi-Fi hits the highway

In-car wireless puts some auto-buyers online. Will it drive them to distraction?
In breakaway Somaliland, a bid to be stable regional citizen

The unrecognized territory hosts tens of thousands of Somali refugees and is trying and imprisoning pirates.
To probe detainee abuse, Congress leans toward outsourcing

Success of the 9/11 commission means lawmakers often punt toughest investigations to independent bodies – despite some internal resistance.
Is Cheney helping or hurting the GOP?

The former vice president is charging hard in defense of Bush-era antiterror policies, but some party analysts say other Republican voices need to emerge.
New round of foreclosures delivers blow to recovery

Foreclosures hit new highs in April and more are expected in months ahead.
New study: Less sea rise expected from possible Antarctic melt
Cobra II
Pope's urging brings Gaza blockade to forefront

With no clear guidelines for what Israel will allow in, aid groups have run into trouble with everything from 90 tons of pasta to nutritional bars mistranslated as steel bars.
US 'Afpak' strategy troubles some in US and Pakistan

American lawmakers say they haven't been briefed on plans, as some in Pakistan describe the administration as 'confused.'
Why Washington doesn't want your protest

Your cause is likely to get a better hearing in your hometown anyway.
Only 3 percent of stimulus spent so far

The money was intended to be spent quickly. But in the three months since the bill was passed, only a few programs have received a significant bump.
Palin announces new book - but will it be banned?
Opinion: Obama puts Israel at risk

As he and Netanyahu prepare to meet, US-Israeli relations are sinking toward an all-time low.
Today's lineup: Taliban PR, pope's trip, Florida builders