All Decoder
Why government shutdown won't stop ObamacareGovernment shutdown would grind many federal programs to a halt, but Obamacare isn't one of them. A freeze on spending wouldn't end the program's tax credits for lower-income Americans or mandates.
Having contradictory thoughts about the debt ceiling? You're not alone.People think the government spends too much, but they like their federal programs just as they are. Congress's budget-master Doug Elmendorf is here to help.
For Caroline Kennedy, polite questions at Senate hearing – and some gushingCaroline Kennedy, the former first daughter, appeared Thursday before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee as she seeks confirmation as the next US ambassador to Japan.
Syria: Why Obama's previous Defense secretaries criticize his approachAt an event in Dallas, Robert Gates and Leon Panetta expressed their concerns about President Obama's decision last month to ask Congress to vote on military action against the regime in Syria.
McCain slams Putin in Pravda: Who's winning war of words?First, Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the US in The New York Times. Now Sen. John McCain has fired back on a Russia website, saying Mr. Putin is holding Russia back.
Obamacare replacement plan: What's in the Republican proposal?Obamacare replacement plan: House Republicans are again pushing for a repeal of Obamacare. But one group of Republicans has gone further and proposed a plan to replace it. Here's a quick look.
Star Trek, NSA: Is Washington full of Trekkies?Star Trek, NSA share a similar-looking 'set,' according to a Foreign Policy magazine article. In the galaxy known as Washington, that's not where the enthusiasm ends for 'Star Trek' themes.
Russia deal on Syria: Why Americans like but don't believe in itPolls show a large majority of Americans back Russia's deal on Syria's chemical weapons, while a solid majority think it will fail. That contradiction works as long as US interests aren't at stake.
Why Navy Yard shooting won't spur fresh look at gun lawsGun debate foes traded barbs in the wake of Monday's mass shooting at Washington Navy Yard, but neither Congress nor President Obama seems to have the stomach right now for another fight over gun laws.
US to Putin: 'Exceptional?' Da!Vladimir Putin's jab at American 'exceptionalism' set off howls of criticism in the US and gave The White House, the Congress, and Jon Stewart a rare something they could agree on.
North Korea nuclear reactor restart: Why it's a big deal.Once in full operation, which could take years, the Yongbyon nuclear reactor would enable North Korea to produce 6 kilograms of plutonium a year to add to its nuclear weapons stockpile.
Does America have a drinking problem? Michelle Obama pushes water.Michelle Obama is traveling Thursday to Watertown, Wisc., and hitting the talk-show circuit to push her latest health initiative for America: Drink more water. 'It's really that simple,' she says.
Putin to US: 'Exceptional?' Nyet!In a rare, direct message to Americans, Putin lays out his case against a US strike on Syria. Opposition extremists, not Assad, used poison gas, he says. Then, the kicker: America is not exceptional, and it's dangerous to think it is.
Michelle Obama 'suspicious' of Syria strikeAmericans overwhelmingly oppose a US military strike on Syria, and loyal supporters in the president's own party – not to mention Michelle Obama – are wary, too.
- Chuck Norris has a Syria plan. Roundhouse kicks?
Actor, karate champion, and Obama critic Chuck Norris weighs in on the Syria crisis. His message to Obama: 'Quit taking the bait' from Syrian President Assad.
Syria weapons deal: Could it really work?Syria weapons deal forwarded by Russia has made significant headway in terms of international geopolitics. Some commentators saw it as a win-win, although others warned it's a trap.
Dennis Rodman back from North Korea. Time to take him seriously?Dennis Rodman may not fit the standard diplomat's profile, but considering the lack of any civil contact between the US and North Korea, his basketball outreach is winning some fans.
Charlie Rose interview with Assad: Did he make a blunder?Syrian President Bashar al-Assad gave an interview to journalist Charlie Rose in which he at times sounded reasonable. But he also threatened the US, which might not have been wise.
House Speaker John Boehner: Would resigning be a smart move?A Huffington Post report suggests that House Speaker John Boehner will resign his post in 2014. He's given no indication of that publicly, but some say it could help him leave a legacy.
Liz Cheney Senate bid off to a rocky startThe fishing license snafu refuses to die, as Liz Cheney attacks the newspaper and the editor who first wrote about it. Polls show her trailing GOP incumbent Sen. Mike Enzi, whom she hopes to oust in a primary next year.
