Politics in Iraq Casts Doubt on a U.S. Presence

This article was reported by Steven Lee Myers, Thom Shanker and Jack Healy and written by Mr. Myers.

U.S. Presence After 2011

BAGHDAD — The protracted political turmoil that saw the resurgence of a fiercely anti-American political bloc here is casting new doubt on establishing any enduring American military role in Iraq after the last of nearly 50,000 troops are scheduled to withdraw in the next 12 months, military and administration officials say. 

Given Iraq’s military shortcomings, especially in air power, intelligence coordination and logistics, American and Iraqi officials had long expected that some American military presence, even if only in an advisory role, would continue beyond 2011. That is the deadline for a troop withdrawal negotiated under President George W. Bush more than three years ago and adhered to, so far, by President Obama. 

How Mitch McConnell Killed The Omnibus Spending Bill

The Omnibus Spending Bill

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell approached the microphones for his weekly press conference on Tuesday with more sense of purpose than he's had since he tried -- but failed -- to derail the health care law in March. 

His goal this time was to kill the Omnibus spending bill, which his Democratic counterpart Harry Reid had just unveiled. Just as earlier this year, though, he didn't sound like a party leader who was certain he had the votes to kill it.

Hu called Obama on Korea

Korea Moves

Chinese President Hu Jintao said he was concerned about tensions between North and South Korea can not control.
In a telephone conversation with President Barack Obama he said all parties should refrain. While the Americans say, President Obama urged its partner, China to send a clear message to North Korea.

Plan for North Korea talks

North Korea Talks

United States, South Korea and Japan will negotiate in Washington about the efforts to confront North Korea.
This is one of the efforts the countries in the region to increase diplomatic efforts to prevent conflict re-occurs. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met counterparts from South Korea and Japan in Washington on Monday (12/06).