Tag: Barack Obama
U.S. faces hurdles if it chooses to extradite NSA leaker Snowden to face criminal charges
The United States government has begun a criminal investigation in response to data program leaker Edward Snowden's actions. While President Barack Obama declined to address Snowden specifically, in a national TV interview Monday night, he mounted a spirited defense of the NSA surveillance program at large....
Obama administration drops objection to Plan B ruling
President Barack Obama's government has dropped its opposition to a court decision that allows the Plan B emergency contraceptive to be bought over-the-counter by women of any age. Proponents had argued the pill was safe and a useful safety net against unwanted pregnancy. ...
On second try, Susan Rice added to Obama's foreign policy team
President Barack Obama has selected United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice to replace National Security Adviser Tom Donlion, who stepped down Wednesday morning -- sooner than most predicted. In Rice's place, Obama selected Samantha Power, a former journalist and human rights activist who supported intervention in Libya....
Firestorm brews over IRS targeting of right-wing groups for additional scrutiny
Late last week, an IRS official apologized for her department targeting right-wing groups for additional scrutiny. Over the weekend, various media outlets got a look at a pending inspector general report. The report is expected to be released publicly this week, but the controversy is already swirling....
EPA raises concerns about State Department's Keystone environmental statement
The U.S. State Department has prepared an Environmental Impact Statement for the pending, and controversial, Keystone XL pipeline that lays the groundwork for the project to go ahead. The Environmental Protection Agency, however, has some issues with what the statement says....
Evidence mounts, indicating Syria may be using chemical weapons
At least three countries are convinced the regime of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad has used chemical weapons in his country's ongoing civil war. On Thursday, U.S. officials confirmed they too believed Assad had unleashed sarin gas. But its options are limited....
Obama still trying to get green team in place
President Barack Obama is still trying to get his second-term cabinet nominees in place. A number of those still to be confirmed focus on the environment, including Energy Secretary nominee Ernest Moniz and EPA administrator nominee Gina McCarthy. Moniz and McCarthy both recently had confirmation hearings....
On eve of Obama's visit, Palestinians press case for electing their own president
Palestinians haven't voted in a presidential election since 2006, frustrating many. A local TV producer decided to take that frustration and channel it into a reality TV series, just in time for President Barack Obama to come to Israel and the Palestinian Territories....
Osama bin Laden's relative faces trial in U.S. despite criticism
A relative of Osama bin Laden appeared in a New York court last week in connection with the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. While the trial is being criticized for being held on American soil, one reporter says the shift could be helpful to the Obama administration....
Oklahoma-based PR firm plays vital role in NRA's image
The National Rifle Association's ad agency has been helping craft the NRA's image since the early 1980s. Though their approach has been controversial over the years, some critics say the NRA won't be changing its approach any time soon....
