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Budget ax falls on armed pilot programupdated: Mon Feb 13 2012 21:30:00

President Barack Obama's budget ax is falling hard on a program that allows pilots to carry handguns in the cockpit as a last line of defense against terrorists.

GOP leaders drop key demand in payroll tax cut standoff updated: Mon Feb 13 2012 19:57:00

In a sharp turnaround, House Republican leaders Monday dropped a key demand that the cost of extending the payroll tax cut be offset by spending cuts elsewhere in the budget.

Obama: Budget requires 'tough choices'updated: Mon Feb 13 2012 19:57:00

As the president releases his 2013 budget, he also stresses the need for Congress to pass the payroll tax extension.

Israeli embassy cars targeted in attacksupdated: Mon Feb 13 2012 19:38:00

Police say a car bomb in an Israeli embassy vehicle in New Delhi was a targeted attack. CNN's Sara Sidner reports.

Fingerpointing follows attack on Israeli Embassy vanupdated: Mon Feb 13 2012 19:38:00

The explosion Monday of a device attached to an Israeli Embassy van in New Delhi and the discovery and safe detonation of another such device found on an embassy car in Tbilisi, Georgia, led quickly to a round of fingerpointing between Israel and Iran.

Washington, New Jersey move toward same-sex marriageupdated: Mon Feb 13 2012 19:17:00

Proponents of same-sex marriage got a boost on two fronts Monday, when the governor of Washington signed a bill legalizing marriage for gay and lesbian couples and the New Jersey state Senate voted 24-16 in favor of a similar bill.

Washington same-sex marriage law signedupdated: Mon Feb 13 2012 19:17:00

Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire signs her state's same-sex marriage bill into law.

CNNMoney: Obama budget: Tax plans aim at richupdated: Mon Feb 13 2012 13:58:00

Raise taxes on those making more than $250,000. Limit deductions for the wealthy. Make an expanded college tax credit permanent.

Abdelali: Gadhafi son will face trialupdated: Mon Feb 13 2012 12:03:00

Libya's Interior Minister talks to Nic Robertson about violence among militias and the trial of Saif al-Islam Gadhafi.

Gadhafi son under house arrest in Niger, Libya saysupdated: Mon Feb 13 2012 12:03:00

One of ousted Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's surviving sons has had his phone cut off and been placed under house arrest in Niger after warning of a revolt against Libya's new government, authorities in Tripoli said Sunday.

Syria activists plead for helpupdated: Mon Feb 13 2012 12:02:00

Activists in Syria plead with the world to help them, their voices filled with agony. CNN's Arwa Damon reports.

Hacked e-mails reveal Syrian spin used to defend crackdownupdated: Mon Feb 13 2012 12:02:00

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was apparently coached on how to describe his government's brutal crackdown on anti-government demonstrators just days before his appearance on an American network, according to purported e-mails of Syrian officials released by the hacking group known as Anonymous.

Opinion: Extreme austerity breeds extreme politicsupdated: Mon Feb 13 2012 11:35:00

A seismic shift is taking place in the Greek political system. The series of bailouts and austerity measures implemented during the last two years has led to a fundamental political crisis affecting both the function of government and the standing of key politicians and political parties.

Explain it to me: Falkland Islandsupdated: Mon Feb 13 2012 10:35:00

Where are the Falkland Islands, why are countries fighting over them and why is Prince William there? Let us explain.

Royal visit, oil fuel Falklands tensionupdated: Mon Feb 13 2012 10:30:00

CNN's Dan Rivers reports on simmering tensions over the Falkland Islands as Britain's Prince William deploys there.

Venezuelan President Chavez dismisses challengers, but one is showing strengthupdated: Mon Feb 13 2012 09:13:00

When an opposition candidate challenged Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to a debate last month, his reply was "aguila no caza mosca" -- "the eagle doesn't hunt the fly."

Pakistan PM indicted for contemptupdated: Mon Feb 13 2012 09:09:00

CNN's Reza Sayah reports that Gilani's court appearance could mark another turbulent period for Pakistani politics.

CNNMoney: Will Congress mess up your paycheck?updated: Mon Feb 13 2012 05:29:00

You heard about the "do nothing" Congress? The "make work" Congress may be more accurate.

Romney unashamed of business backgroundupdated: Sun Feb 12 2012 14:45:00

At the CPAC conference, Mitt Romney talks about his business background and his stint as governor of Massachusetts.

Romney victories mask lingering questions about his candidacy updated: Sun Feb 12 2012 14:45:00

Mitt Romney's twin victories Saturday in Maine and in a conservative straw poll were badly needed bright spots for his campaign at the end of what was perhaps the most humbling week of his presidential candidacy, a five-day stretch that exposed the former Massachusetts governor's frail relationship with conservatives.

Pakistan's prime minister faces contempt hearing Mondayupdated: Sun Feb 12 2012 13:04:00

Pakistan's prime minister says he has an "extremely capable" lawyer and doesn't believe the country's supreme court will jail him on contempt charges after a Monday hearing.

Unrest ahead of Tibetan New Yearupdated: Sat Feb 11 2012 21:19:00

Violence escalates across southwestern China as authorities clash with ethnic Tibetans. CNN's Stan Grant reports

Groups: Young nun latest to self-immolate in Tibetupdated: Sat Feb 11 2012 21:19:00

An 18-year-old nun set herself afire Saturday, the latest in a string of self-immolations by Tibetans amid anger and despair over Chinese rule, Tibetan rights groups reported.

Greek lawmakers debate austerity billupdated: Sat Feb 11 2012 15:06:00

CNN's Matthew Chance reports on the latest demonstrations and debate in the Greek debt crisis.

Greece lawmakers debate bailout deal as crisis simmersupdated: Sat Feb 11 2012 15:06:00

Greece's Cabinet approved austerity measures demanded in return for a new eurozone bailout of the debt-stricken country Saturday, a day ahead of a crucial vote in Parliament.

GOP House freshmen vow to fight for conservative principlesupdated: Fri Feb 10 2012 21:56:00

A trio of House Republican freshmen told an annual gathering of conservative activists on Friday that, far from backing down, they believe they should double down on the conservative principles that carried them into office in 2010 on a wave of tea party support.

West wants a 'conservative renaissance'updated: Fri Feb 10 2012 21:56:00

Rep. Allen West says voters need continue to "restore conservatism" to Washington.

U.N. takes another try at Syria resolutionupdated: Fri Feb 10 2012 20:56:00

Nearly a week after Russia and China vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution intended to halt the killing in Syria, Saudi Arabia has drafted a similarly worded document -- but one that lacks the same punch.

Travel warning: Violence spreading in Mexicoupdated: Fri Feb 10 2012 19:05:00

Americans should avoid all but essential travel to all or parts of 14 Mexican states, the U.S. State Department warns as violence has spread.

House Republican insists he'll be cleared in insider trading probeupdated: Fri Feb 10 2012 18:24:00

Rep. Spencer Bachus, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, acknowledged Friday that he is under investigation for possible violations of insider trading laws, but insisted he will be cleared.

CNNMoney: Billions at stake as Russia backs Syriaupdated: Fri Feb 10 2012 16:15:00

Russia's controversial stance in the Syrian crisis has left many wondering what Moscow stands to gain by backing the brutal regime of Bashar al-Assad.

Arrest warrant issued for former Turkish intelligence chiefupdated: Fri Feb 10 2012 14:51:00

Arrest warrants have been issued for Turkey's former intelligence chief, his deputy and two other intelligence agents, the semi-official Anatolian Agency reported Friday.

Ten states will get 'No child' exemptionupdated: Fri Feb 10 2012 05:24:00

President Obama announces 10 states will be exempt from "No Child Left Behind" rules in exchange for new reforms.

10 states freed from some 'No Child Left Behind' requirementsupdated: Fri Feb 10 2012 05:24:00

Ten states are being granted waivers to free them from some requirements of the No Child Left Behind education reform law, with President Barack Obama explaining Thursday that the move aims to "combine greater freedom with greater accountability."

Conservatives see tough challenges on road to White Houseupdated: Thu Feb 09 2012 19:13:00

Republicans looking to take back the White House in November face a challenging political environment, a trio of conservative political observers said Thursday at an annual gathering of conservative activists.

Boehner describes conservative utopiaupdated: Thu Feb 09 2012 19:13:00

Rep. Boehner painted the picture of a conservative utopia at CPAC, including a new president, senate, and lower taxes.

Russia's Syrian peace missionupdated: Thu Feb 09 2012 14:06:00

CNN's Phil Black reports on Russia's peace mission to end the Syrian conflict and why it twice protected Syria at the U.N.

Washington votes for same-sex marriageupdated: Thu Feb 09 2012 12:56:00

Washington's state legislature approves a bill to legalize same-sex marriage.

Washington state legislature votes to approve same-sex marriageupdated: Thu Feb 09 2012 12:56:00

A bipartisan group of lawmakers in Washington State voted Wednesday in favor of a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage, putting Washington on the path toward becoming the seventh state in the nation to legalize marriage for gay and lesbian couples.

Officials: Drone strike in Pakistan kills 4 updated: Thu Feb 09 2012 06:21:00

A suspected U.S. drone strike killed four people in Pakistan's tribal region Thursday morning, Pakistani officials told CNN.

Russia and China: Sabotaging U.N. with vetoesupdated: Wed Feb 08 2012 09:23:00

When the Arab League asked for U.N. Security Council endorsement of its call for a new government in Syria and sought the imposition of sanctions to pressure Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the Russians went toe-to-toe with the United States, publicly and behind closed doors.

Syrian activists are 'blaming Russia'updated: Wed Feb 08 2012 09:23:00

CNN's Ivan Watson explains why those opposed to Bashar al-Assad are so angry with Russia for blocking a U.N. resolution.

Pakistani prime minister appeals against contempt chargeupdated: Wed Feb 08 2012 06:09:00

Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani filed an appeal Wednesday against a Supreme Court decision to charge him with contempt, his lawyer said, the latest move in a drawn-out struggle between the country's political leaders and the judiciary.

Pakistan PM: No objection to prisonupdated: Wed Feb 08 2012 06:09:00

The Pakistani prime minister tells CNN he has no objection to being sent to prison if the court desires.

CNNMoney: Facebook's Zuckerberg may face $2 billion tax billupdated: Tue Feb 07 2012 17:59:00

Facebook's upcoming IPO will make founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg a billionaire -- but it will also stick him with an eye-popping tax bill that could reach as high as $2 billion.

Appeals court rejects California's Proposition 8updated: Tue Feb 07 2012 17:52:00

A federal appeals court ruled against California's voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage Tuesday, arguing the ban unconstitutionally singles out gays and lesbians for discrimination.

'Prop 8 ruling makes us more American'updated: Tue Feb 07 2012 17:52:00

Reaction to a federal appeals court ruling that California's Proposition 8 is unconstitutional.

Bitter cold temps grip Ukraineupdated: Tue Feb 07 2012 05:49:00

Snow and record low temperatures claim lives in the Ukraine. CNN's Mathew Chance reports.

Romania's PM resigns amid protests, winter deathsupdated: Mon Feb 06 2012 16:47:00

Romania's prime minister resigned Monday in the wake of weeks of public protests against austerity measures and a deadly spell of bitterly cold weather.

Mexico's ruling party picks woman as presidential candidateupdated: Mon Feb 06 2012 15:39:00

Mexico's conservative ruling party has picked a former congresswoman as its nominee for the nation's top job. If she wins, she would become the country's first female president.

Former Protestant leader Paisley hospitalizedupdated: Mon Feb 06 2012 12:42:00

Ian Paisley, the evangelist who made peace in Northern Ireland after leading Protestants against compromise with Roman Catholics for years, has been hospitalized for an unreported condition, his wife said in a statement Monday.

How does Gingrich recover after losses?updated: Mon Feb 06 2012 12:35:00

Tom Lucero, Colorado campaign chair for Gingrich, weighs in on the GOP hopeful's campaign strategy going forward.

Gingrich's best bet: Obama winsupdated: Mon Feb 06 2012 12:35:00

After a bad defeat in the Nevada caucuses, the options dwindle for former Speaker Newt Gingrich.

Officials: Netanyahu to head to United States next monthupdated: Mon Feb 06 2012 11:28:00

Israel's prime minister will visit the United States in March, officials said Sunday.

Palestinian factions Hamas, Fatah reach unity deal updated: Mon Feb 06 2012 10:06:00

Rival Palestinian political factions Fatah and Hamas named President Mahmoud Abbas the head of an interim unity government during a televised signing ceremony Monday.

China disputes reports of self-immolations by Tibetansupdated: Mon Feb 06 2012 03:26:00

The Chinese authorities have contested reports that three Tibetans set themselves on fire last week in a remote area of southwestern China.

Gingrich outlines a Southern revival strategyupdated: Sun Feb 05 2012 17:26:00

Newt Gingrich said Sunday he is plotting a Southern revival, while Rick Santorum and Ron Paul seek stronger showings in upcoming caucuses to slow front-runner Mitt Romney's momentum after his second straight victory in the Republican presidential race.

Nine dead as Egypt protests continueupdated: Sun Feb 05 2012 15:54:00

Protests continue in Egypt after a riot at a soccer match leaves 79 dead. CNN's Ivan Watson reports.

Saif al-Islam Gadhafi capturedupdated: Sun Feb 05 2012 11:55:00

Libyan military commanders say that Saif al-Islam Gadhafi has been captured.

Why China, Russia won't condemn Syrian regimeupdated: Sun Feb 05 2012 08:57:00

As international leaders express outrage over mass killings in Syria -- and lament the inability to pass a U.N. Security Council resolution denouncing the Syrian regime -- questions linger about the two countries behind the impasse.

Russia, China veto U.N. action on Syria; opposition group calls for strikeupdated: Sat Feb 04 2012 21:36:00

As international anger grows over reports of mass carnage at the hands of the Syrian regime, a U.N. Security Council draft resolution condemning Syria failed to be adopted Saturday after veto-wielding members Russia and China voted against it.

U.S. accuses Sudan of bombing civiliansupdated: Fri Feb 03 2012 22:30:00

The United States accused Sudan of targeting civilians in recent airstrikes, including one that destroyed a Bible school in South Kordofan, an oil-rich Sudanese province that borders the newly-created independent country of South Sudan.

Iran's leader: War would be detrimental to U.S.updated: Fri Feb 03 2012 12:13:00

The supreme leader of Iran issued a blunt warning Friday that war would be detrimental to the United States -- and that Iran is ready to help anyone who confronts "cancerous" Israel.

Why does U.S. pay to protect prosperous allies?updated: Fri Feb 03 2012 11:18:00

For some time now, Republican hawks like Sen. John McCain and Rep. Howard P. "Buck" McKeon have been saying that our military budget is inadequate for the threats we face. They like to gripe that President Barack Obama is orchestrating the decline of American power.

Panetta: Smaller military is preferableupdated: Fri Feb 03 2012 11:18:00

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta discusses plans for a leaner, less expensive military.

Romney is vulnerable with Hispanicsupdated: Fri Feb 03 2012 11:09:00

On the eve of the Nevada caucus, here's some advice to Newt Gingrich: If you still want to draw contrasts with Mitt Romney over immigration, don't toss in your cards. Double down.

Report on Federal Air Marshal Service paints an unflattering pictureupdated: Fri Feb 03 2012 08:41:00

A long-awaited report on alleged misconduct within the Federal Air Marshal Service concludes that while supervisors do not engage in "widespread" discrimination and retaliation against rank-and-file air marshals, the agency is far from trouble-free.

Report: Air Marshal Service discrimination not widespreadupdated: Thu Feb 02 2012 23:01:00

A long-awaited federal investigation looking into allegations of a hostile work environment within the Federal Air Marshal Service concludes there is no "widespread discrimination and retaliation" within the agency, according to a report by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of the Inspector General obtained by CNN.

Senate passes insider-trading billupdated: Thu Feb 02 2012 21:51:00

Aiming to restore voters' faith in Congress, the Senate overwhelmingly approved a bill Thursday that makes clear it's illegal for members of Congress, their staffs and many executive-branch employees to trade stocks and other securities based on inside information learned on the job.

Senate to consider insider trading billupdated: Thu Feb 02 2012 21:51:00

Peter Schweizer, "Throw Them All Out" author, explains insider trading by members of Congress and the pending Senate bill.

Senate Republicans propose alternative plan to required budget cutsupdated: Thu Feb 02 2012 16:06:00

Top Senate Republicans unveiled a proposal Thursday to replace looming across-the-board budget cuts, most notably to the Pentagon, with new restrictions on both the compensation to and size of the federal work force.

New sanctions to push Iran to negotiateupdated: Thu Feb 02 2012 07:04:00

The European Union approves new sanctions against Iran. CNN's Matthew Chance reports.

U.N. nuclear inspectors returning to Tehranupdated: Thu Feb 02 2012 07:04:00

The United Nations nuclear monitors plan to return to Iran at the end of the month after a positive assessment from both sides of the latest visit.

Paramedics risk their lives in Mexicoupdated: Thu Feb 02 2012 06:10:00

In Mexico's murder capital, young paramedics risk their lives to save victims of drug violence, as Rafael Romo reports.

North Carolina public health officials search for source of stomach bugupdated: Wed Feb 01 2012 22:44:00

A series of viral outbreaks causing diarrhea and vomiting has affected scores of people in North Carolina in recent weeks, sickening them, but causing no fatalities, health officials there said Wednesday.

Peace talks with the Talibanupdated: Wed Feb 01 2012 20:40:00

The Taliban says it's opening an office in Qatar in preparation for peace talks. Nick Paton Walsh reports.

Taliban deny possible talks with Afghans in Saudi Arabiaupdated: Wed Feb 01 2012 20:40:00

A spokesman for the Taliban denied on Wednesday a weekend report that Taliban representatives may meet with officials representing the government of President Hamid Karzai in Saudi Arabia in the coming weeks.

Romney to Obama: Get out of the wayupdated: Wed Feb 01 2012 19:23:00

GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney tells Obama it is time to get "out of the way" after his primary win in Florida.

Europe death toll rises in big freeze updated: Wed Feb 01 2012 13:52:00

Sub-zero temperatures continued to keep eastern Europe in their grip Wednesday, leading to the deaths of 31 people in Ukraine so far, emergency officials there said.

Secret NATO Taliban report revives Pakistan fearsupdated: Wed Feb 01 2012 12:36:00

Pakistan continues to support the Taliban in Afghanistan, a secret NATO report says, according to a journalist who has read it, despite years of Pakistani denials and American pressure to stop backing the insurgency.

Pakistan denies helping the Talibanupdated: Wed Feb 01 2012 12:36:00

Jerome Starkey of The Times discusses a leaked, highly classified report on the Afghan Taliban.

8 crew missing after ship sinks in Black Sea stormupdated: Wed Feb 01 2012 09:01:00

Turkish authorities have scrambled divers, helicopters and coast guard ships in an effort to find and rescue eight crew members missing after a cargo ship sank in a storm off Turkey's Black Sea coast Tuesday night.

Netanyahu scores Likud primary winupdated: Wed Feb 01 2012 05:54:00

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu handily won his Likud party leadership primary Tuesday, fueling speculation that he may soon call for nationwide elections.

War games in Israel meant to show forceupdated: Wed Feb 01 2012 05:54:00

Israeli war games seen as a show of force amid rising tensions with Iran. CNN's David McKenzie reports.

French council to review genocide denial lawupdated: Wed Feb 01 2012 05:54:00

French lawmakers have asked the country's constitutional council to examine a new law that punishes the denial of genocide with fines and prison time.

E-mail: Air marshals perceive discrimination, study will showupdated: Tue Jan 31 2012 22:52:00

A 21-month investigation into allegations that the Federal Air Marshal Service has a hostile work environment -- rife with discrimination and retaliation -- has concluded that no "widespread" problem exists, according to an internal government e-mail obtained by CNN.

Argentina slams Prince William's Falklands deploymentupdated: Tue Jan 31 2012 22:35:00

Argentina's foreign ministry slammed British officials Tuesday over Prince William's upcoming deployment in the Falkland Islands.

U.N. Security Council debates Syria as violence ragesupdated: Tue Jan 31 2012 20:44:00

Arab and Western diplomats spoke in support Tuesday of a U.N. Security Council draft resolution that calls for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down, while representatives from Russia and China slammed it as meddlesome.

Libya: Aisha Gadhafi offers information to help protect brother Saifupdated: Tue Jan 31 2012 15:54:00

Aisha Gadhafi, the daughter of Libya's deposed strongman Moammar Gadhafi, asked the International Criminal Court Tuesday to accept "concrete information" she believes may help her brother.

Latinos won't forget Romney's 'anti-immigrant' talkupdated: Tue Jan 31 2012 08:29:00

Responding angrily to a campaign ad from Newt Gingrich accusing him of being anti-immigrant, Mitt Romney insisted during last week's Republican debate at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville that he has no problem with immigrants.

WTO: China rare earth trade defies rulesupdated: Tue Jan 31 2012 06:13:00

The EU has demanded that China loosen its policy on sales of rare earth materials after the World Trade Organisation upheld a ruling that Beijing's policies to limit raw material exports violated international trade rules.

China's rare earths trade tussleupdated: Tue Jan 31 2012 06:13:00

Beijing's export limits on raw materials are ruled a violation of trade rules. Ramy Inocencio reports.

Militant attacks kill 8 Pakistani soldiersupdated: Tue Jan 31 2012 06:09:00

Hundreds of militants stormed military checkpoints in northwest Pakistan early Tuesday, killing at least eight soldiers and injuring 10 others, military and government officials said -- the latest in a string of attacks against security forces.

Afghan officials, Taliban may hold talks in Saudi Arabiaupdated: Tue Jan 31 2012 05:22:00

The Afghan government hopes to hold talks with Taliban representatives in Saudi Arabia in the coming weeks, according to a senior Afghan official, in a move that threatens to cloud already delicate and fragile steps to negotiate an end to the United States' longest war.

Timeline of Tibetan protests in Chinaupdated: Tue Jan 31 2012 01:08:00

The escalation of tensions in ethnically Tibetan regions of China is the latest in a series that have resulted in deaths, frayed ties between the United States and China, and greater pressure from Beijing against the Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet for India in 1959 after a failed uprising.

Officials: Mexico's ambassador to Venezuela kidnapped, freedupdated: Mon Jan 30 2012 15:32:00

Mexico's ambassador to Venezuela and his wife were freed early Monday after armed men kidnapped them and held them hostage for hours, officials said.

CNNMoney: Obama's tax recordupdated: Mon Jan 30 2012 11:39:00

Republicans portray President Obama as the tax-hiker-in-chief.

Contempt hearing postponed for former John Edwards aideupdated: Mon Jan 30 2012 11:07:00

A judge postponed a hearing Monday in a case that pits a former aide to John Edwards against the one-time presidential candidate's former mistress.

Nigeria on edge as Islamist group extends campaign of violence updated: Mon Jan 30 2012 08:50:00

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has suddenly shifted his attitude toward the Islamist extremist group Boko Haram, as violence spreads across northern Nigeria.

Nigerian police battle new attacksupdated: Mon Jan 30 2012 08:50:00

CNN's Nima Elbagir reports on Boko Haram militant threats and attacks on police and civilians in Nigeria.

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