All DC Decoder
Edward Snowden leaks again: five takeaways from the 'black budget'The latest Edward Snowden leak reveals that the CIA claims the lion's share of the $52.6 billion classified 'black budget' that the US spent on its intelligence agencies in 2013, topping the NSA.
Targeting Syria: How big a concern are its air defenses?Syria's extensive air-defense network comprises mainly aging, Soviet-made systems that have been upgraded over the years but are well-known to the US military and vulnerable to US countermeasures.
Syrian chemical attack: What's the US evidence?The US says Syria launched a chemical weapons attack on its citizens last week. With US military action likely, it's vitally important for intelligence to be right this time.
US Treasury to hit debt limit by October. What if pols can't reach a deal?Republicans and Democrats appear light-years apart on an agreement to raise the national debt limit, which the US could hit by mid-October. That leaves just weeks to move each side off its opening stance.
Destroyers approach Syria: What might a US strike look like?Destroyers: Syria is now within striking distance of destroyers and warplanes, says Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. But the key is what military actions follow an initial US cruise-missile strike.
NSA may have spied on UN. Big deal, or business as usual?Leaked documents show that NSA spying extended to the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency, EU economic moves, and Security Council votes. For the US, the UN has been an intelligence target for years, if not decades.
Huma Abedin: Were her consulting jobs proper? Eight questions about her work.Huma Abedin, wife of Anthony Weiner and a longtime aide of Hillary Clinton, took three consulting jobs while she was still a part-time employee with the State Department. At least one congressional leader is pressing for more information.
Why Texas Sen. Ted Cruz had to renounce his Canadian citizenshipAmericans want their presidents to bleed red, white, and blue, not maple syrup. But even after his pledge to renounce citizenship, Canada-born Ted Cruz could still face questions from birthers.聽
Obama鈥檚 post-vacation blues: Egypt and NSA spying on AmericansAs he heads home from vacation, President Obama faces two major challenges: what to do about violence in Egypt and how to handle the latest revelations about NSA spying on Americans.
US security interests kept Obama from cutting aid to Egypt. What are they?When Obama, in response to Egypt's brutal crackdown on protesters, refrained from cutting off US military aid, he cited US 'national interests.' Broadly, they boil down to one main idea: stability.
Obama falters in Gallup poll on economy: what that says about the recoveryA new Gallup poll finds the approval rating for Obama has fallen to 35 percent for his handling of the economy, suggesting public impatience with the pace of the recovery.
With US-made panels, White House goes solar ... againJimmy Carter put up solar panels in 1979, then Ronald Reagan took them down in 1986. 锘匡豢锘匡豢锘縉ow the Obama administration is fulfilling a long-delayed promise to put solar panels back on the White House.
Joe Biden heading to Iowa: why he's smart to keep 2016 options openJoe Biden will be attending an event in Iowa in September, another clue that he's angling toward running for president. He'd likely be a long shot, but it could be a shot worth taking.
Virginia governor's race: down, dirty, and a gigantic messThe Virginia governor's race has long been viewed as a signal of national trends. But the race between Republican Ken Cuccinelli and Democrat Terry McAuliffe is too muddy to read the tea leaves.
Why Obama's 'Tonight Show' chat was new low for mainstream mediaPresidents typically use entertainment shows to burnish their image. But this week, President Obama turned to 'The Tonight Show' even to address serious policy like the embassy closures.
Sen. Mitch McConnell fighting for his political life?Mitch McConnell of Kentucky 鈥� the top Republican in the Senate 鈥� faces a tea party challenge in the primary; then, if he survives, a promising young female Democrat in the general. This weekend, the Fancy Farm Picnic will test everyone.聽
FocusAs abortion limits sweep US, even 'purple' states join the crackdownAbortion bans that clearly violate Roe v. Wade get the most attention, but more subtle regulations 鈥� such as facilities upgrades and hospital admitting privileges 鈥� could end up reducing access more.
Views on abortion in US: regional differences grow widerOpposition to abortion in the South has grown markedly in the past 20 years even as other parts of the nation 鈥� such as New England 鈥� have seen support rise, reflecting political polarization.
'Stand your ground' laws rattle US politics, societyThe George Zimmerman murder case in Florida focused attention on the state's controversial 'stand-your-ground' law. Critics want to repeal such laws, but that seems unlikely. At least 22 states have 'stand-your-ground' laws.
Political world reacts to Obama鈥檚 'Trayvon' momentPresident Obama says he doubts whether any politician could play a major role in a national 'conversation' about race in America. But his remarks Friday about the shooting death of Trayvon Martin indicate otherwise.
