Global News: 2/13 Reuters: Politics

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U.S. may need a larger Afghan troop increase: experts
February 13, 2009 at 2:02 am

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States may need a military buildup in Afghanistan larger than the one President Barack Obama is considering, experts said on Thursday.

Clinton aims to soothe jittery allies, woo China
February 13, 2009 at 1:48 am

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Hillary Clinton hopes to reassure allies jittery about U.S. policy on North Korea and to set the tone for a productive relationship with China when she visits Asia next week on her first trip as secretary of state.

Congress set to pass stimulus plan, send to Obama
February 13, 2009 at 1:15 am

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Congress on Friday is expected to pass a $789 billion economic stimulus package that is aimed at unleashing large spending and tax cuts to help dig the economy out of a 14-month recession.

Obama eyes home loan subsidies in rescue plan: sources
February 13, 2009 at 12:57 am

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Obama administration is hammering out a program to subsidize mortgages in a new front to fight the credit crisis, sources familiar with the plan told Reuters on Thursday, boosting financial markets.

Senate confirms Leon Panetta to head CIA
February 12, 2009 at 9:06 pm

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate on Thursday confirmed Leon Panetta as director of the Central Intelligence Agency, despite early criticism that the former senior White House aide lacks experience on intelligence matters.

Congress agrees on "strong" Buy American plan
February 12, 2009 at 8:26 pm

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Congressional negotiators have agreed on a final Buy American provision as part of a $789 billion economic stimulus bill that requires public works projects funded by the plan to use only U.S.-made goods, including iron and steel, a lobbyist said on Thursday.

Third Obama cabinet nominee withdraws name
February 12, 2009 at 8:25 pm

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican Senator Judd Gregg withdrew his nomination as Commerce secretary on Thursday in an embarrassing setback to President Barack Obama's efforts to bridge party differences in his fight against recession.

Top U.S. thrift regulator Reich to step down
February 12, 2009 at 7:00 pm

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The director of the U.S. Office of Thrift Supervision, which largely regulates mortgage lenders, will step down on February 27, the agency said on Thursday.

Feb 25 hearing for Obama CFTC pick: Senate panel
February 12, 2009 at 6:11 pm

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Gary Gensler, President Barack Obama's choice to regulate the U.S. futures market, will get a Senate hearing on his nomination on February 25, the Senate Agriculture Committee said on Thursday.

Senator Gregg withdraws as Obama commerce pick
February 12, 2009 at 5:20 pm

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican Senator Judd Gregg said on Thursday he was withdrawing as President Barack Obama's nominee to be Commerce secretary, another blow to the president's attempt to broaden support across party lines.

Top U.S. thrift regulator Reich to step down
February 12, 2009 at 5:10 pm

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The director of the U.S. Office of Thrift Supervision, which largely regulates mortgage lenders, will step down on February 27, the agency said on Thursday.

Congress made right move on Buy American: White House
February 12, 2009 at 5:01 pm

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Congressional negotiators have come up with the "right compromise" on 'Buy American' provisions of the economic stimulus bill that have raised concern among U.S. trade partners, a White House spokesman said on Thursday.

Obama eyes home loan subsidies in rescue plan: sources
February 12, 2009 at 4:49 pm

Senator Kerry to see Assad during Mideast trip
February 12, 2009 at 4:45 pm

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - John Kerry, chairman of the U.S. Senate's foreign relations committee, will meet Syrian President Bashar al-Assad next week during a Middle East trip as Washington works to keep a dialogue between the two countries despite years of tension.

Egypt says Clinton will attend conference on Gaza
February 12, 2009 at 4:34 pm

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has agreed to attend an international donors conference in Cairo next month to help rebuild the Gaza Strip after Israel's December invasion, Egypt's foreign minister said on Thursday.

Obama reaffirms U.S. support for Hariri tribunal
February 12, 2009 at 1:20 pm

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama on Thursday reaffirmed U.S. support for a United Nations tribunal to try suspects in the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri that will open March 1.

U.S. sends senior diplomat to Russia for talks
February 12, 2009 at 1:17 pm

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A senior U.S. diplomat held talks with Russian officials on Thursday, the State Department said, following up on a promise by Vice President Joe Biden last week to hit the "reset button" in ties with Moscow.

Holbrooke absorbs sights, voices of troubled Pakistan
February 12, 2009 at 8:29 am

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - He came, he saw, he listened, but Richard Holbrooke kept his own counsel on his maiden visit to Islamabad in his new role as U.S. special envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Senate panel approves Panetta to be next CIA chief
February 11, 2009 at 10:56 pm

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Leon Panetta, U.S. President Barack Obama's choice to head the Central Intelligence Agency, was approved on Wednesday by the Senate intelligence committee.

Senate clears ex-lobbyist as Pentagon No. 2
February 11, 2009 at 9:06 pm

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate approved William Lynn, a former Raytheon Co lobbyist, to be deputy secretary of defense after he received a special White House waiver from strict new rules meant to close a "revolving door" between government and big business.