Politics

Obama Taps Bernanke for Second Term at Fed

Ending speculation that he might appoint a new central bank chief, President Obama said he would nominate Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke for a second term Tuesday as the administration continues its efforts to stabilize the embattled U.S. economy.

Other News: Troop Deaths Spike in Afghanistan

In other news, 2009 became the deadliest year for international troops after four American soldiers died in Afghanistan Tuesday. Also, President Hamid Karzai has 41 percent of the Afghan vote with 10 percent of the ballots tallied.

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Amid Release of CIA Documents, Prosecutor to Investigate Alleged Abuse Cases

By Anna Shoup

The Obama administration announced Monday the creation of a new unit responsible for questioning terrorism suspects, as the anticipated released of a report shed new light on interrogation tactics used by the previous administration.

Other News: Fallout Continues From Lockerbie Release

In other news, Scottish officials defend the country's decision to release the Lockerbie bomber, and two bombs in Iraq killed at least 11 people.

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U.S. Commanders Call for More Troops to Defeat Taliban in Afghanistan

By Anna Shoup

As Taliban insurgents refine their tactics, U.S. and NATO commanders told U.S. envoy Richard Holbrooke that they require more troops to combat militants in Afghanistan.

Controversial Afghan Law Leaves Shiite Women’s Rights in Question

Afghan President Hamid Karzai faces continued international and domestic pressure to further overhaul a controversial law affecting Shiite women that critics say he passed to secure votes from conservatives in this week's election.

Karzai, Abdullah Both Claim Victory in Afghan Election

Both of Afghanistan's two top presidential contenders are claiming victory in Thursday's presidential election, despite calls by U.S. and international officials to wait for official election results.

Brooks and Marcus on Health Reform, Afghan War

This week public opinion polls showed diminishing support for the war in Afghanistan, and across America the debate over health care reform continued. Analysts David Brooks and Ruth Marcus discuss these and other top stories.

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Bernanke: U.S. Economy Poised for Recovery

By Carolyn O'Hara

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke offered an optimistic assessment of the U.S. economy's chances for recovery Friday in a much-anticipated speech to fellow central bankers and top economists.

Popular ‘Cash for Clunkers’ Program to End Monday

The government will end its popular "cash for clunker" incentive program on Monday, two months early, because of dwindling funds. David Shepardson, Washington bureau chief for the "Detroit News," speaks with Jim Lehrer about the program.

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