Archive for March, 2011

As several of Israel’s neighbors deal with tumult in the streets, the Jewish state’s President Shimon Peres will visit President Barack Obama for the first time in nearly two years, a White House press release said.

Since 1974, U.S. presidents have had a tool to use Central Intelligence Agency operatives clandestinely — but with limits. The term “presidential finding” is back in the headlines this week because of the situation in Libya. A former counterterrorism official with knowledge of U.S.-Libya policy said there is a presidential finding authorizing the CIA to conduct operations in support of U.S. policy in Libya, including assessing the opposition and determining their needs. Here’s a deeper look at prescribed covert activities:

A Wisconsin Judge has continued her temporary restraining order barring a new collective bargaining law from taking effect by signing an amended order on Thursday.

NATO took sole command of air operations in Libya today as CIA operatives worked the field to connect with rebel fighters.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is increasing its nationwide monitoring of radiation as two states reported very low levels of radiation in milk.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Thursday defended the decision to intervene in Libya, arguing that action was necessary to prevent a humanitarian disaster and refugee crisis.

Geraldine Ferraro was exceptionally generous, and never wavered in her enthusiasm. In the most personal way imaginable, her outlook changed my life.

The United States has seen what happens when it arms rebel forces against brutal regimes — and how it can backfire.