Global News: 3/6 Reuters: Politics

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Clinton seeks new U.S. relationship with Russia
March 6, 2009 at 7:20 am

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Friday holds Washington's first high-level meeting with Russia since President Barack Obama took office in January, seeking to ease tensions and win help over Afghanistan.

U.S. sees deal on Tajik transit for Afghan cargo
March 6, 2009 at 6:53 am

DUSHANBE (Reuters) - The United States and Tajikistan expect soon to finalize an agreement that would allow the transit of non-lethal supplies to Afghanistan, the U.S. embassy in Dushanbe said on Friday.

U.S. to invite Iran to Afghanistan meet: Clinton
March 6, 2009 at 6:11 am

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - In its first public overture to Tehran, the Obama administration intends to invite Iran to an international conference on Afghanistan planned for this month, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced Thursday.

Clinton warns against energy as a political weapon
March 6, 2009 at 6:04 am

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton condemned the use of energy as a political lever on Friday, a day after Russia threatened to cut gas supplies to Ukraine in a move that would have hit supplies to Europe.

CNN's Gupta withdraws name for U.S. surgeon general
March 5, 2009 at 10:21 pm

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - CNN medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta said on Thursday that he withdrew his name from consideration for U.S. surgeon general to focus more on his family and career as a surgeon.

Senate Democrats hit hurdle on $410 billion spending
March 5, 2009 at 9:52 pm

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democrats who control the U.S. Senate were unable on Thursday to round up the votes to end debate and pass a $410 billion bill to fund many government operations through September 30, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said.

Picks for 2 high Treasury jobs withdraw: sources
March 5, 2009 at 8:27 pm

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Two top contenders for senior posts at the U.S. Treasury have withdrawn, people familiar with the moves said on Thursday, dealing a blow to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner's efforts to build his staff to fight the financial crisis.

House approves mortgage bankruptcy overhaul
March 5, 2009 at 7:54 pm

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Bankruptcy judges could cut the mortgage debt of homeowners in bankruptcy court as a last resort to avert foreclosure, under a bill approved by a 234-191 vote on Thursday in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Obama says U.S. can't afford to wait on healthcare
March 5, 2009 at 7:50 pm

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Saying Americans cannot afford to put off an overhaul of healthcare, President Barack Obama vowed on Thursday to break the political stalemate that has blocked past efforts and pass a comprehensive plan this year.

Senate panel sets goals for CIA probe
March 5, 2009 at 6:31 pm

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. Senate inquiry on the CIA's treatment of terrorism suspects will probe the usefulness of intelligence gained through harsh interrogations and whether the agency complied with official legal guidance.

U.S.' Scowcroft warns of proliferation from Iran
March 5, 2009 at 6:01 pm

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - If Iran is allowed to pursue a nuclear weapons capability, countries around the world might feel compelled to take the same path, Brent Scowcroft, who advised two U.S. presidents on national security, said on Thursday.

Obama to make 1st Europe trip as president in March
March 5, 2009 at 3:51 pm

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Barack Obama will make his first trip to Europe later this month as U.S. president, visiting Britain, France, Germany and the Czech Republic, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Thursday.

U.S. to invite Iran to Afghanistan meet: Clinton
March 5, 2009 at 3:28 pm

Both parties stew over Obama infrastructure changes
March 5, 2009 at 3:23 pm

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Barely a week after President Barack Obama released his first federal budget, members of both political parties in the U.S. Congress are spoiling for a fight over changes to infrastructure funding.

Financial reform push reignited by Rep. Frank
March 5, 2009 at 3:18 pm

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. financial regulation reform, sidelined for months by the market crisis, got a boost on Thursday as Rep. Barney Frank laid out plans for legislation to overhaul mortgage financing, combat predatory lending and prevent credit card lender abuses.

Senator urges Obama not to alter NAFTA farm terms
March 5, 2009 at 2:50 pm

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama should make clear that he will not change agricultural provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement if he renegotiates the pact as promised, a top Republican senator said on Thursday.

U.S. makes first move, invites Iran to Afghan meet
March 5, 2009 at 12:32 pm

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - In a major U.S. shift, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced Thursday the United States planned to invite Iran to attend an international conference on Afghanistan planned for later this month.

House leader sees budget, energy bills in weeks
March 5, 2009 at 12:25 pm

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A senior Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday offered an optimistic outlook for passing a budget and an energy bill in the coming weeks, despite past troubles approving other legislation.

Obama team working hard on GM, auto woes: W.House
March 5, 2009 at 12:24 pm

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama's administration is working "around the clock" to form an approach to the challenges facing General Motors Corp and the auto industry, a White House spokeswoman said on Thursday.

Clinton proposes high-level meeting on Afghanistan
March 5, 2009 at 11:00 am

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Thursday proposed a high-level international conference to map out a new strategy for Afghanistan and said neighbor Pakistan would be invited.