Washington Scandals -- A News Roundup

During Rose Garden Press Conference, Obama Refuses To Apologize For Secretly Seizing AP Phone Records, Shifts Blame To Congress For Benghazi Security Lapses, And Dodges Question About White House IRS Knowledge -- Daily Mail

* Assailed by questions over three scandals engulfing White House during Rose Garden press conference with Turkish Prime Minister
* Would not say whether anyone in his West Wing knew about the IRS targeting of the Tea Party before last week
* Offered 'no apologies' for DoJ secretly seizing phone records of Associated Press reporters over intelligence leak
* Admitted 'lessons needed to be learned' from Benghazi but said it was up to Congress to approve more money for military to provide extra security in hotspots abroad

President Barack Obama dodged questions Thursday about the IRS's targeting of conservative groups, shifted responsibility for the Benghazi attack to Congress, and said 'I offer no apologies' for the Department of Justice's secret seizure of reporter's phone records in search of a classified intelligence leak.

In a rain-soaked Rose Garden press conference originally intended to be a victory lap for the United States' relationship with Turkey, Obama stood alongside Turkish Prime Minister Recep Erdogan and fielded questions which quickly shifted to the trio of scandals that are engulfing his administration.

Beginning in 2010, Obama's IRS targeted a list of approximately 300 tea party-related and other conservative groups for aggressive scrutiny following their applications for tax-exempt status.

Read more ....

More News And Coverage On The IRS 'Scandal'

Republicans Keep Up Pressure on White House Over IRS Scandal -- Voice of America
Obama names acting IRS chief, denies knowledge of IRS report -- NBC
Obama names budget official Werfel as acting IRS head -- Reuters
IRS Official in Charge During Tea Party Targeting Now Runs Health Care Office -- ABC News
Second top IRS official out as scandal over targeting of Tea Party groups rages on -- Daily Mail
Second Top IRS Official Quits as GOP Scrutiny Rises -- Wall Street Journal
Second IRS official out after Tea Party scandal, as outgoing commissioner faces Congress -- FOX News
If White House counsel knew about IRS abuses weeks ago - and didn't tell Obama - she should resign -- FOX News
White House counsel should resign if she knew about IRS abuses -- Lanny J. Davis, The Hill
This Is No Ordinary Scandal -- Peggy Noonan, Wall Street Journal

More News And Coverage On The AP Wiretapping Story

Obama defends leak probes as necessary for security, calls for balance with press freedom. -- AP
Obama: ‘No apologies’ for leaks investigation -- Washington Post
Obama Has 'Complete Confidence' In Attorney General Holder -- NPR
More mystery over AP subpoenas process at Justice Department -- Politico
Holder says he played no role in AP phone subpoena -- AP
Holder facing liberal backlash over AP records grab -- FOX News
Lawmakers Introduce Bill Requiring Court Order to Seize Phone Records -- Threat Level
Holder’s recusal and the leak investigation are unprecedented -- Jennifer Rubin, Washington Post
How to avoid another Justice raid on reporter phone records -- Christian Science Monitor editorial

More News And Coverage On Benghazi

Benghazi e-mails unleash flood of questions -- USA Today
Obama administration regroups to counter Benghazi criticism -- CNN
The Benghazi Emails: Talking Points Changed at State Dept.'s Request -- ABC News
Pickering, Mullen reject request to testify on Benghazi in private -- Miami Herald/McClatchy News
GOP lawmakers increasingly in favor of special investigative committee -- Washington Free Beacon
Democrats: Enough with Benghazi, already -- CBS
Former Obama official on Benghazi: ‘Press has been so lazy, it’s infuriating’ -- Erik Wemple, Washington Post
What really happened in Benghazi? -- Douglas E. Schoen, FOX News

Boston Bombing Suspect Left A Note In The Boat That He Hid In

Boston Bombings Suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev Left Note In Boat He Hid In, Sources Say -- CBS

(CBS News) Boston bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev left a note claiming responsibility for the April 13 attack on the Boston Marathon, reports CBS News senior correspondent John Miller.

Sources tell Miller that Tsarnaev wrote the note in the boat he was hiding in as police pursued him, and as he bled from gunshot wounds sustained in an earlier shootout between police and his older brother, Tamerlan Tsarnaev. It reads as part manifesto, part suicide note, and part justification for the killing and maiming of innocent civilians.

Read more ....

More News On Boston Bombings Suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev Leaving A Note In The Boat That He Hid In

Suspect: Boston bombing was payback for hits on Muslims -- CNN
Boston bomber wrote note blaming wars in Iraq and Afghanistan -- The Telegraph
'F***' America,' Boston Marathon Bomb Suspect Wrote in Boat: Officials -- ABC News
Sources: Bomb suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev took responsibility for Marathon attacks in note scrawled in boat -- Boston.com
Boston bomb suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev penned confession in boat: report -- New York Daily News
Dzhokhar Tsarnaev scribbled note inside boat where he was hiding, sources say -- NBC
Dzhokhar Tsarnaev left note in boat explaining motives, CBS report says -- The Guardian

My Comment: So much for those who said that the younger brother was influenced by his older brother. If the details of this note are accurate .... it is clear that he is a hardcore Jihadist with no remorse for what he did.

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- May 16, 2013

Turkey May Be Obama's Key To Solving Syria Crisis -- Ed Husain, Special to CNN

(CNN) -- Almost every American ally in the Middle East is desperately calling out for help, and we are ignoring them. Turkey, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain -- and behind closed doors, even Egypt -- want American involvement in Syria to stop the blood bath.

But the twin ghosts of Iraq and Afghanistan seem to have paralyzed America in the Arab world.

On Thursday, Turkey's prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, will visit President Barack Obama in Washington. This is an ideal opportunity to throw American weight behind greater Turkish leadership in resolving the Syrian conflict -- and declare as much from the White House. The conflict is spreading fast outside of Syria, and unless regional powers such as Turkey, Israel and Saudi Arabia are empowered to act militarily, and swiftly, many more lives will be lost and the Middle East further destabilized.

Read more ....

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials

Turkey and Syria: An explosive border -- The Economist

Why the Syrian quagmire threatens Turkey -- Fadi Hakura, Special to CNN

Has Obama missed the moment in Syria? McCain says 'Assad is winning' -- FOX News

Wrong message in Syria's war imagery -- National Editorial

In Syria, terrorist designation means more go hungry -- Tom Peter, Christian Science Monitor

Iraq, Afghanistan can serve as lessons for Syria -- Deutsche Welle

How did Turkey become the world's leading jailer of journalists? -- Christophe Deloire and Joel Simon, Foreign Policy

It will take more than two new candidates to change Iran -- Ray Takeyh, Financial Times

Why Iran’s Mullahs Fear Ahmadinejad’s Messianism -- Zachary Keck, The Diplomat

Mandela Fades Amid Battles Over Who Will Claim Legacy -- Lydia Polgreen, New York Times

The long road ahead for Pakistan's comeback king: Nawaz Sharif -- Shamila N. Chaudhary, Special to CNN

Benghazi: History of Pueblo Repeats Itself -- Todd Crowell, Real Clear History

Is Venezuela becoming a failed state? -- Juan Nagel, Foreign Policy

How to End the Forever War -- Harold Hongju Koh, Real Clear World

America the Isolated? -- Fareed Zakaria, Time

World News Briefs -- May 16, 2013 (Evening Edition)

Obama, Turkish Prime Minister Discuss How To End Civil War In Syria -- CNN

(CNN) -- The leaders of Turkey and the United States are huddling in Washington on Thursday over how to handle the Syrian civil war, the raging conflict that has left an estimated 80,000 people dead and a few million displaced -- despite more than two years of diplomacy to halt the bloodshed.

President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, meeting in Washington, discussed how to strengthen the Syrian opposition, help the many people displaced by the war, and mobilize the international community to put more pressure on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and forge a political transition.

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MIDDLE EAST

EU to block arming of Syrian rebels.

Syrian troops repel rebel attack on Aleppo prison.

Islamist rebels execute 11 Syrian soldiers for "massacres": video. Executed as they waited on a pavement kerb: Terrifying assassination video of three men by 'Islamist rebels' shows new front in Syrian propaganda war.

Israel hints: We'll strike Syria again.

CIA chief ‘in surprise Israel trip over Syria’.

Iran election: Rafsanjani defends decision to stand as his 'national duty'.

U.N. says there is hope for Yemen if funds are forthcoming.

Turkey PM Erdogan confirms June visit to Gaza, West Bank.

Israel to authorize four West Bank settler outposts.

Bombers target markets, mosque in Iraq, 25 dead.

Austrian Yemen hostage says feared execution: report.

ASIA

U.S. slams Japanese mayor's sex-slave comments as 'offensive'.

Arctic Council grants China, Japan observer status.

China threatens own trade action if EU opens telecoms case.

Bomber in Afghanistan kills 15, including six Americans.

China cracks down on North Korea.

Cyclone Mahasen fizzles as it hits Bangladesh.

Japanese politicians scramble to distance themselves from 'comfort women' comments.

Before visit, China downplays frictions with India.

Pakistan's Sharif free to rule without unwieldy coalition.

In China, European companies investing more than Americans.

After India, now China catches gold bug.

Kim Jong-un had 'secret' daughter.

AFRICA

Congo: 32 die in clash between army and militia.

Joseph Kony and LRA in Sudan.

France to keep 1,000 troops in Mali indefinitely.

Warplanes, troops in NE Nigeria; mobile phones cut. Jets join offensive in northeast Nigeria, opinion split.

UN envoy says CAR in 'state of anarchy'.

Mali offered more than €3bn in aid – with strings attached.

Egypt 'suffering worst economic crisis since 1930s'.

Security forces kidnapped in Egypt's Sinai.

Tensions continue to escalate in Tunisia.

UN 'deeply concerned' over Jonglei unrest.

Miners union threatens strike at South Africa's Amplats.

EUROPE

Russia economy minister sees GDP growth above 3% in 2nd half.

Car burnings rise as France threatens to take euro crisis to 'higher plane' , says hedge fund boss Michael Hintze.

Europe can survive without Britain, says François Hollande.

Greek addicts turn to deadly sisha drug as economic crisis deepens.

U.S. sought to recruit spies despite warning, Russia says. Expulsion of US embassy official in espionage case was second such incident, Russian TV says.

Eurozone recession is now longest in currency bloc.

Germany tells France and Italy to 'just work harder' to solve their economic woes.

Cameron survives humbling EU revolt in parliament.

Bulgaria's leading party demands vote rerun after 'violation'. Main party in Bulgaria seeks to void election result.

Big business eyes Iceland's Arctic treasures.

Russian Orthodox and Polish Catholic churches sign reconciliation appeal.

AMERICAS

Evidence mounts on slower U.S. economic growth.

Obama says "no apologies" over U.S. security leak probe.

Obama picks temporary IRS head as Tea Party rallies on scandal. Obama fires IRS chief over 'inexcusable' tax targeting scandal.

Republicans press for more documents on Benghazi, Dems say case closed. Dems say Benghazi emails show no cover-up, rally behind White House.

White House releases Benghazi e-mails.

Obama juggles scandals.

Mexico official fired for daughter's 'abuse of power'.

Canada PM on pipeline plan: Oil to come anyway.

Plot to kill Colombian journalists uncovered.

Venezuela hopes to wipe out toilet paper shortage by importing 50m rolls.

Argentina brokers 24 pct wage hikes for millions.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Congress rethinks 9/11 law on military force; Pentagon officials say it 'serves its purpose'.

Jabhat al-Nusra faces al-Qaeda sanctions at UN under Anglo-French proposal.

Al Qaeda websites hacked.

Report: Dzhokhar Tsarnaev confessed to the Boston bombings in a note.

Bin Laden son-in-law: Warning issued by NY judge.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Buffett's Berkshire downgraded by S&P with negative outlook.

International Monetary Fund warns on quantitative easing costs.

UK lawmakers find Google misleading on tax.

Google launches streaming music service ahead of Apple.

Largest diamond ever sold at auction.

Civil War In Syria -- News Updates May 16, 2013

Turkey PM And Obama Discuss Syria -- Al Jazeera

During talks in Washington, leaders vow to increase pressure on Syria's President Bashar al-Assad to step down.

US President Barack Obama and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan have vowed to increase pressure on Syria's President Bashar al-Assad to step down.

Obama said in a news conference with Erdogan at the White House on Thursday that the only way to resolve Syria's two-year crisis was for Assad to hand over power to a transitional government.

He said Turkey would play a critical role in that process.

"We're going to keep increasing the pressure on the Assad regime and working with the Syrian opposition,'' Obama said.

"We both agree that Assad needs to go.''

Read more ....

More News On Syria's Civil War

Syria Live Blog -- Al Jazeera
Syrian rebels launch offensive in south to reverse losses -- Reuters
Syrian troops repel rebel attack on Aleppo prison -- AP
Syria rebels, regime troops fight in Aleppo prison -- AP
Syrians 'executed in cold blood' by al-Qaeda group -- The Telegraph
Syrian rebels post grisly execution video -- Times of Israel
EU to block arming of Syrian rebels -- The Telegraph
Syrian rebels demand weapons before talks -- Washington Post
All sides in Syria have weapons 'except the good guys', says British official -- The Guardian
Vice and virtue police rule Syria rebel-held region -- USA Today
Jabhat al-Nusra faces al-Qaeda sanctions at UN under Anglo-French proposal -- The Telegraph

Israel Warns Syria of Action to Block Further Arms Transfers -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Israel warns Syria to stop sending arms to Hezbollah -- Global Post/AFP
Israel warns Assad not to retaliate to airstrikes -- UPI

Iran should take part in Syria conference: Russia -- AFP
Russia says Iran must take part in proposed Syria talks -- Reuters
Report: Iran told Nasrallah to prevent Assad downfall 'at all costs' -- YNet News

Syria crisis: number of refugees tops 1.5 million, says UN -- The Guardian
Syria erects earth mounds along border with Lebanon -- Daily Star

Obama says U.S. diplomatic, military options remain open in Syria crisis -- Reuters
Obama says U.S. won't act alone on chemical weapons in Syria -- L.A. Times
Obama: More information needed on Syrian use of gas weapons -- UPI
Obama, Erdogan Press Syria's Assad to Leave -- Wall Street Journal
Turkish prime minister is meeting with US president at the White House to discuss the two-year-conflict in Syria. -- Al Jazeera
UN resolution calls for Syria political transition -- BBC

Russia’s unhelpful role in Syria -- Rudy Rubin, Miami herald/Philly News
As global powers squirm in indecision over Syria, Assad’s hand improves -- Zvi Bar'el, Haaretz
Heart-eating video raises pressure to end Syrian war -- Simon Tisdall, Special to CNN
Gruesome Syria video pinpoints West's dilemma -- Jonathan Marcus, BBC
Syria’s civil war: The hard men on both sides prevail -- The Economist

BBC Shown 'Signs Of Chemical Attack' In Syria

Syria Conflict: BBC Shown 'Signs Of Chemical Attack' -- BBC

The BBC has been shown evidence apparently corroborating reports of a chemical attack in Syria last month.

A BBC correspondent who visited the northern town of Saraqeb was told by eyewitnesses that government helicopters had dropped at least two devices containing poisonous gas.

The government has vehemently denied claims it has used chemical agents.

The US had warned that such a development would be a "red line" for possible intervention.

President Barack Obama said he had seen evidence of chemical weapons being used in Syria - but it was important to get more specific information about what happened.

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More News On The BBC Being Shown 'Signs Of A Chemical Attack' In Syria

Syria crisis: 'Strong evidence' of chemical attacks, in Saraqeb -- BBC
How to investigate chemical weapons allegations -- BBC
Syria's chemical weapons stockpile and human impact -- BBC
Syria gas attack claims: Evidence 'compelling', says expert -- BBC
‘Signs of chemical attack’ in Syria -- Times of Israel
Witnesses: Syria used chemical weapons -- UPI
Syrians Allege Chemical Attack: 'Suffocating Smell' -- Newser

President Obama: US Military Options Remain Open In Syria Crisis

U.S. President Barack Obama (R) reacts to rain starting to fall, as he and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan hold a joint news conference in the White House Rose Garden in Washington, May 16, 2013. REUTERS/Jason Reed

US Military Options Remain Open In Syria Crisis, Obama Says -- Reuters

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama said on Thursday he reserves the right to resort to a range of both diplomatic and military options if he receives conclusive proof that the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had used chemical weapons in the country's civil war.

Obama, at a joint news conference with Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan, said there was evidence of chemical weapons use in Syria but that it is important to get "more specific information" to confirm that before deciding how to respond.

Read more ....

My Comment: I am still skeptical that the U.S. will do anything .... but this news story is raising some eyebrows (including mine) .... CIA chief 'in surprise Israel trip over Syria'.