WallStreetBlips - Latest Barack Obama News Articles

Obama: Below 50 percent approval - The Oval: Tracking the Obama presidency

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:21:08 +0000

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Some not-so-good reviews for Obama's trip to Asia - The Oval: Tracking the Obama presidency

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:50:57 +0000

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Obama Speaks of Sanctions for Iran

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:07:58 +0000

Obama said Western allies will draft sanctions to show Iran "the importance of having consequences" for its failure to accept a U.N. nuclear deal.

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The pros and cons of VAT: A last resort

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:39:49 +0000

Its advantages are oversold, but it is gaining adherents LIBERALS oppose a value-added tax because it falls more heavily on the poor. Conservatives oppose it because it is a money machine. Larry Summers, Barack Obama’s chief economic adviser, once predicted that America would get a VAT when the two sides reversed positions. That moment may be approaching. Several prominent liberals and a handful of conservatives now see it as the most promising way to raise revenue, reduce the deficit and make the tax system more efficient. VAT is a tax on consumption rather than income. All 30 members of the OECD levy one, save America. Unlike state sales taxes, which are charged only to the final customer, VAT is levied at each stage of production. This boosts compliance because a business, to receive credit for VAT paid on its inputs, must usually collect VAT on what it sells. VAT is usually charged at the same rate on almost everything. It thus distorts economic decisions less than an income tax, which ...

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Politics this week

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:39:49 +0000

Barack Obama paid his first visit to China, where he held talks with his counterpart, Hu Jintao, and the prime minister, Wen Jiabao. A “town-hall meeting” in Shanghai was attended by only carefully vetted young people, and no questions were permitted at a joint press conference by Mr Obama and Mr Hu. A long joint statement promised co-operation on trade, climate change and a range of other issues. But there were no breakthroughs. See article Earlier on his tour of Asia, Mr Obama visited Japan. He stressed the importance to both America and Japan of their security alliance and indicated some flexibility in America’s position on a controversy over the relocation of a military base on the southern island of Okinawa. ... >

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Economics focus: Green with envy

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:39:48 +0000

The tension between free trade and capping emissions STATEMENTS by Barack Obama on his travels through Asia have lowered expectations that December’s global summit on climate change in Copenhagen will lead to binding cuts in carbon emissions. The urgency of dealing with climate change means that many countries are drawing up national policies to limit emissions. Yet in a globalised world, where production is increasingly mobile across national borders, some worry that there is a fundamental tension between the effectiveness of such policies and a commitment to open trade. These carbon-reduction policies, such as America’s proposed cap-and-trade scheme, typically put a price on carbon in the hope that this will force producers to bear the costs that their activities impose on the climate. But if different countries cut emissions by different amounts, as is likely, then the price of carbon will vary across nations. If so, manufacturers in countries with tighter environmental rules will ...

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China's exchange-rate policy: A yuan-sided argument

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:39:48 +0000

Why China resists foreign demands to revalue its currency PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA, on his first visit to China this week, urged the government to allow its currency to rise. President Hu Jintao politely chose to ignore him. In recent weeks Jean-Claude Trichet, the president of the European Central Bank, and Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the managing director of the International Monetary Fund, have also called for a stronger yuan. But China will adjust its currency only when it sees fit, not in response to foreign pressure. China allowed the yuan to rise by 21% against the dollar in the three years to July 2008, but since then it has more or less kept the rate fixed. As a result, the yuan’s trade-weighted value has been dragged down this year by the sickly dollar, while many other currencies have soared. Since March the Brazilian real and the South Korean won have gained 42% and 36% respectively against the yuan, seriously eroding those countries’ competitiveness. ... > ...

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Barack Obama in Asia: Scaling the Asian wall

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:39:48 +0000

The president pays Asia the compliment of courtesy; rewards are not immediate IT TOOK Barack Obama nearly a year in office to get to East Asia. When he did, it was for an intensive nine-day obstacle course, which he tried to negotiate with the placatory charm and openness to dialogue that have marked his diplomacy. Unsurprisingly, it went down well, but produced little of substance. The centrepiece of the trip was China, which he visited at a critical juncture in the world’s most important bilateral relationship. China handled the visit with ambivalence. It was keen to encourage Mr Obama’s friendly approach and his willingness to recognise China as a fellow great power. But it was also clearly nervous of a charismatic young president far better than China’s standoffish leaders at appealing to ordinary citizens (“voters”, as they are known in America). ... >

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Cuba and the United States: Resistant to sticks and carrots

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:39:48 +0000

The difficulty of pressing for change in a police state THOSE who hoped that the arrival in power of Barack Obama and Raul Castro would bring a thaw in the continuing 50-year cold war between the United States and Cuba so far have little to cheer. The Obama administration has lifted restrictions imposed by George Bush on visits and remittances to the island by Cuban-Americans, and has resumed discreet talks on co-operation in practical matters such as migration, drug-trafficking and postal services. But administration officials have said that they will not lift the economic embargo imposed on Fidel Castro’s regime in 1960 until Cuba takes steps towards political and economic freedom. For his part, Raul Castro, who replaced his brother at the head of Cuba’s government in 2006, has offered to talk to the Americans, but insists that the island’s communist political system is non-negotiable. On both sides there are pressures for further change. These are more visible in the United ...

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Barack Obama and Afghanistan: Waiting (and waiting) for a plan

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:39:48 +0000

The president continues to take his time AS HIS plane was refuelling in Alaska en route to Asia, Barack Obama made a vow to the troops who greeted him at Elmendorf air base. “I want you guys to understand I will never hesitate to use force to protect the American people or our vital interests,” he said. It was an old campaign line, and it drew applause. But it sounded odd, given that Mr Obama has been hesitating to commit more forces to the war in Afghanistan, which he used to call “a war of necessity” that was “fundamental to the defence of our people”. Mr Obama told the troops that he would not risk their lives unless it was absolutely necessary. In that case, he said, “the United States of America will have your back. We will give you the strategy and the clear mission you deserve. We will give you the equipment and support that you need to get the job done. And that includes public support back home. That is a promise that I make to you.” ... > ...

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America, China and climate change: Let's agree to agree

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:39:48 +0000

Barack Obama and others admit that Copenhagen will at most produce only an outline climate agreement. But that would be a lot better than nothing EXPECTATIONS for the Copenhagen climate conference, to be held next month in the Danish capital, rise and fall. On November 15th, as Barack Obama toured Asia, he and the Danish prime minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, agreed that no agreement on a new treaty would be reached at the conference. Instead, they said that the best that can now be expected is a “political” deal out of the Copenhagen meeting, which begins on December 7th. The negotiations leading up to Copenhagen have been something of a fiasco. But this is not, as some would have it, wholly the fault of balky American senators who have refused to pass a cap-and-trade bill fast enough. It is true that a lot of the blame does indeed belong on Capitol Hill; the Senate has taken its time mulling over its version of a climate-change bill, not helped by the protracted debate over health ...

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Barack Obama in Asia: The Pacific (and pussyfooting) president

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:39:48 +0000

America’s president shows an alarming lack of self-confidence. So does China’s FOR some critics of Barack Obama, America’s dependence on China as the holder of some $800 billion of its government debt is to blame for what they see as a humiliating visit there this week. He preferred heaping praise on China’s achievements to hectoring its leaders about its shortcomings. Other critics went further and saw this emollient approach as in keeping with similar embarrassments elsewhere on his Asian tour. In Japan, he bowed deeply to Japan’s Emperor Akihito. In Singapore he attended a meeting with South-East Asian leaders including the prime minister of the repellent Burmese dictatorship. Over Japan and Myanmar, the sniping was misplaced. Japan, an important ally, deserves present-day courtesy whatever its past crimes. Isolating Myanmar has benefited no one. ... >

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Obama to Push For Korea Trade Pact

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:15:52 +0000

Obama pledged to ratify a free-trade agreement with South Korea, challenging Congress to separate South Korea from other Asian nations enjoying trade surpluses with the U.S.

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Obama and Lee urge North Korean talks

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:56:55 +0000

US President Barack Obama and Lee Myung-bak, the President of South Korea, today urged the nuclear armed North Korea to return to the negotiating table.

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Obama Arrives in South Korea

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:30:31 +0000

After a rocky 2 ½ days in China, Barack Obama arrived in South Korea, ready to solidify a unified approach toward North Korea but facing friction over free trade with the South.

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We're going to miss Guantanamo deadline, Obama admits

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:28:14 +0000

President Obama has admitted for the first time that the deadline he set two days into his Administration for closing the Guantanamo Bay detainee camp in Cuba will be missed. >

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Tensions Rise Over Yuan

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:33:00 +0000

Obama and Dominique Strauss-Kahn, managing director of the IMF, told Chinese officials that yielding to market pressures for a stronger yuan would help the global economy recover.

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Obama reaches summit but still has peaks to surmount

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:36:38 +0000

President Obama emerged from a summit with his Chinese counterpart yesterday urging Beijing to resume talks with the exiled Dalai Lama but his host responded by attacking US protectionism. >

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Obama aims for Copenhagen agreement that can take immediate effect

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:36:38 +0000

President Obama has attempted to restore confidence in international negotiations on climate change by saying that next month’s UN summit in Copenhagen should deliver an agreement on emissions with “immediate operational effect”.

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Obama, Hu Highlight Cooperation

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:52:54 +0000

Obama and Chinese President Hu ended talks by pledging cooperation on climate change and energy, and agreed to work toward a U.S.-China partnership.

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Obama, Hu Highlight Cooperation

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:58:23 +0000

Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao ended a morning of talks pledging cooperation on issues including climate change and energy, and agreed to work toward a U.S.-China partnership.

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Obama urges China to resume Tibet talks

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:24:45 +0000

President Obama emerged from talks with his Chinese counterpart today in which he urged Beijing to resume dialogue with the exiled Dalai Lama, while President Hu Jintao issued a thinly veiled barb against US protectionism. >

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Obama Urges Hu to Resume Tibet Dialogue

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:02:27 +0000

Obama met with Chinese President Hu Jintao and pushed for a resumption of dialogue with the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader, considered a separatist by Beijing.

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Obama makes a gesture of humility to China — then delivers a few home truths

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:34:32 +0000

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Obama Pushes for Internet Freedom in China

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:03:54 +0000

Obama, speaking at a town hall meeting in Shanghai, told students the free flow of information makes societies stronger and holds political leaders accountable.

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Obama in China criticises internet censorship

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:35:42 +0000

President Barack Obama has used a highly unusual live question-and-answer session with Chinese students in Shanghai to criticise censorship of the internet, telling the world’s biggest online population that a free flow of information can be a source of strength. >

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Obama Pushes for Freedoms in China

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:47:26 +0000

Obama, speaking at a town hall meeting in Shanghai, told students the free flow of information makes societies stronger and holds political leaders accountable.

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Comcast-NBC Deal to Be Scrutinized

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:40:34 +0000

If Comcast agrees to purchase majority control of the movie and television company from General Electric the Obama administration would face its first media megadeal.

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Comcast-NBC Deal Would Draw Scrutiny

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:50:27 +0000

If Comcast agrees to purchase majority control of the movie and television company from General Electric the Obama administration would face its first media megadeal.

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Obama demands release of Burma democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:01:58 +0000

President Obama demanded the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese opposition leader, during an unprecedented encounter yesterday that put him at the same table as the Prime Minister of the pariah country’s military Government. >

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Nobel Prize winner President Obama still searching for foreign policy success

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:32:51 +0000

In less than a month President Obama will head to Oslo to receive the Nobel Peace Prize — awarded to him not for what he has done, but for what the judges hope he will achieve during his first term.

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Concerns Rise Around Obama Trip

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:43:55 +0000

President Obama arrived in Shanghai to press China on issues from climate change to economic restructuring, amid concerns that his first swing through Asia will yield more disappointment than progress on trade, human rights and environmental concerns.

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White House Seeks Results From Karzai

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:36:18 +0000

Hillary Clinton said the Obama administration was seeking greater accountability from Afghan President Hamid Karzai, suggesting future civilian aid to the country could be tied to more aggressive action to combat corruption.

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Concerns Rise Around Obama Trip

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:21:14 +0000

President Obama headed to Shanghai to press China on issues from climate change to economic restructuring, amid concerns that his first swing through Asia will yield more disappointment than progress on trade, human rights and environmental concerns.

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Beijing gets the jitters as free talking Barack Obama flies in

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:35:33 +0000

The stage is set, the television lights and internet links ready, and all that matters now is the performer and his audience.

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Obama to Congress: Ft. Hood probe not 'political theater' - USATODAY.com

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:20:39 +0000

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BofA Hits Pay Snag in CEO Hunt

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:44:40 +0000

Bank of America directors are hitting a new hurdle as they hunt for the giant bank's next chief executive: Obama administration pay czar Kenneth Feinberg.

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BofA Hits Pay Snag in Its CEO Hunt

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:43:16 +0000

Bank of America directors are hitting a new hurdle as they hunt for the giant bank's next chief executive: Obama administration pay czar Kenneth Feinberg.

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Chinese prepare their big questions for Obama

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:04:19 +0000

When are you going to give New Mexico back to Mexico? Can you tell me about your romantic life? Would you rather be President of America or President of China? >

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Obama: Asia Can't Rely on U.S. Consumers

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:11:41 +0000

Obama has come half way around the world to deliver a message to East Asia: the global economy can no longer count on the U.S. consumer to keep it afloat.

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Obama decision to try 9/11 defendants already drawing fire - The Oval: Tracking the Obama presidency

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:50:24 +0000

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Fury at plan to try September 11 mastermind near Ground Zero

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:49:53 +0000

The self-confessed mastermind of the September 11 terror attacks and four co-conspirators will be moved from Guantanamo Bay to the US mainland and tried in a civilian court in New York, the Obama administration announced today. >

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New York trial for alleged 9/11 mastermind

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:21:18 +0000

Five Guantanamo Bay detainees alleged to have masterminded the September 11 attacks will be taken to the United States to stand trial in a civilian court in New York, an Obama administration official said today. >

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Obama Begins Visit to Japan

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:30:26 +0000

Obama arrived in Tokyo, aiming to shore up relations with a new Japanese government that vows to be more assertive with its U.S. ally.

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Afghans Flee as Fighting Intensifies

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:03:48 +0000

The exodus of refugees from southern Afghanistan has picked up speed, as the Obama administration poured fresh troops into the country.

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Banyan: Barack Obama's Asian adventure

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:03:40 +0000

The president seems better at reassuring America’s enemies than its friends ASIANS complain that when George Bush chose Iraq and terror ism as his main arenas in foreign affairs, it was at their expense. Barack Obama intends his first Asian trip as president, which begins in Tokyo on November 13th, as proof of change. As well as Japan, the tour takes in Singapore, China and South Korea. Engagement in the region, he says, is critical to America’s future. Advisers even suggest that what he achieves there will help define Mr Obama’s presidency. Of course, they say that about a lot of things on his plate. But to judge by ordinary folk, the region wishes him well. Many Indonesians think of Mr Obama as one of their own. In Japan students of English have emptied the bookshops of his collected speeches. Some activity suggests there is indeed a new engagement. In July, the American secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, signed ASEAN’s Treaty of Amity and Co-operation. The ten-member ...

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Hope for Zanzibar: Taking the spice out of politics

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:03:39 +0000

A pact between the island’s rival parties could prevent more violence and unrest TANZANIANS are proud of the fact that it was their president, Jakaya Kikwete, who won the race to the White House. Ghana may have been Africa’s first sub-Saharan country to host Barack Obama as president, but Mr Kikwete was Africa’s first head of state to be received in Washington, DC, by the new American leader: a striking endorsement of his country. With messy Kenya and chaotic Congo across the border, and lawless Somalia just up the coast to the north, Tanzania is now viewed in the West as a regional haven of calm in a turbulent neighbourhood. But there has been a big blot on Tanzania’s record over the years: Zanzibar. The last three elections on the offshore islands that comprise the territory—Pemba and Zanzibar itself—have been increasingly violent and disputed. The opposition Civic United Front (CUF) claims that the elections of 1995, 2000 and 2005 were all stolen by the local ...

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Germany's foreign policy: A new game of dominoes

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:03:39 +0000

The world’s focus on Germany this week has prompted some to ask about Germany’s focus on the world THE new American ambassador to Germany, Philip Murphy, introduced himself to Berliners recently in an Obama-style town-hall meeting at Humboldt University. “The relationship between Germany and America”, he declared, “is the most important relationship of the past 60-plus years.” That may have been true when the Berlin Wall still stood, just west of where Mr Murphy was bonding with the city’s youth. But it stopped being so when the wall fell 20 years ago. So long as the wall was there, West Germany was on the front line of the West’s confrontation with the Soviet Union. Its fall, commemorated by European leaders this week with fireworks and the toppling of 1,000 hand-painted dominoes, increased Germany’s population by a quarter, its territory by two-fifths and its economy by a tenth. France and Britain were not alone in fretting lest Germans ...

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Israel, Palestine and America: Don't give up

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:03:39 +0000

Barack Obama must step back into the fray RARELY have the prospects for a decent deal between Israelis and Palestinians looked so bleak. Despite his grudging acceptance of the two-state ideal, Israel’s prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, sounds perfectly content with the status quo: in effect, fortress Israel with the Palestinians impotently walled off. Meanwhile the Palestinians are as bitterly divided as ever. The Islamists of Hamas, still in military control of the Gaza Strip and—at least on paper—scornful of Israel’s right to exist, square off against secular and more amenable Fatah, which runs a fledgling state on the West Bank, albeit one riddled with Israeli roads, barriers and Jewish settlements. In the past week, things have got even worse for the Palestinians since their leader, Mahmoud Abbas, a man of peace and patience, has declared in frustration that he will step down, with no obvious successor in sight (see article). So they look leaderless as well as ...

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Obama Receives New Afghan Option

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:31:59 +0000

Obama will consider a new compromise plan for adding troops to Afghanistan that would deploy 30,000 to 35,000 new forces over the next year or more.

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