White House, Justice Officials Defend Drone Program After Release Of Memo -- FOX News
The White House and Justice Department on Tuesday adamantly defended the administration's authority to use unmanned drones to kill terror operatives -- even if those operatives are U.S. citizens -- following the release of a controversial memo on the program.
President Obama's advisers are also trying to tamp down concerns about the targeted killings ahead of the confirmation hearing Thursday for CIA director nominee John Brennan -- the counterterrorism adviser and drone-program supporter who has come under criticism from Democrats.
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MIDDLE EAST
Obama to visit Israel for first time as president.
Officials: SSRC facility was not primary target of Israeli strikes in Syria.
Netanyahu: Hezbollah planning 'global terror attacks'.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad flies into trouble in Egypt as ally is arrested in Tehran. Iran arrests ex-Tehran prosecutor Saeed Mortazavi.
Iran's Ahmadinejad in Egypt on historic visit.
UN: Syrian humanitarian crisis 'catastrophic'.
Few expect results from Syrian opposition’s offer to negotiate indirectly with Assad.
Syria opposition leader al-Khatib urges Assad to negotiate.
In Israel raid, Syria options severely constrained.
Israel-Syria standoff: Assad 'deploys' Scud missiles targeting Tel Aviv.
Iran, world powers to hold nuclear talks February 26: IRNA.
U.S., allies ready more anti-mine drills as Iran tensions simmer.
Turkey says it knew terrorist attack on US Embassy was planned.
ASIA
Sri Lanka leader rules out autonomy for Tamils.
US drone strikes: There's 'no wink and nod' from Pakistan, ambassador says.
China threatens Japanese warship with guided missiles over island dispute. Japan protests to China after radar pointed at vessel.
North Korea military body said to discuss nuke test.
Filipino military battles NPA in Samar.
Bangladesh politician jailed for war crimes.
Trial begins in New Delhi rape case.
AFRICA
Group tracking LRA sees defections weakening rebel force.
Rwanda genocide convictions overturned.
Zimbabwe parliament receives draft constitution.
Gen. Carter Ham: Members of al Qaida group among Benghazi attackers.
Report: US intelligence lacks resources to fight al Qaeda in Africa.
1,800 Chadian soldiers securing Mali's Kidal: France.
Mali wants help against land mines.
South Africa police arrest 19 suspected Congolese rebels.
Egypt foreign currency reserves fall again.
Egypt takes delivery of US fighter jets.
Insight: Rage over bad governance fuels Nigeria Islamists.
Kenya tracks Facebook, Twitter for election "hate speech".
EUROPE
British House Of Commons passes bill legalizing gay marriage.
Bulgaria blames Hezbollah for 2012 bombing, refueling terrorist listing debate. Bulgaria links Hezbollah to Israeli bombing. Bus bomb investigation raises pressure on EU to outlaw Hezbollah.
'Secret ledger' at heart of Spanish corruption scandal given to authorities. Spain’s ruling party faces confidence crisis.
France: 4 detained suspected of extremist links.
Officials: Australian suspected in Bulgaria bomb.
Britain's PM faces gay marriage revolt as plots swirl.
Scottish independence: 'Transition plan' outlined.
Sochi a point of national pride for Putin's Russia.
At 900 years, Knights of Malta confronts modernity.
AMERICAS
Obama urges Congress to delay automatic spending cuts. Obama proposes short-term budget fix, Republicans swiftly object.
Ottawa confirms Canadian 'dual national' involved in Bulgaria bus bombing.
Falklands will be under our control within 20 years, says Argentina.
Colombian ELN rebels say they seized two foreigners.
US Senate plan would give Napolitano the final say on border security.
Mexico says gas leak caused deadly Pemex blast.
Argentina freezes prices to break inflation spiral.
El Salvador's military to withdraw from 'peace zones'.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
White House defends drone-war killing of Americans.
Rip out Guantanamo microphones to prevent eavesdropping: Judge.
Gitmo detainees return to field of battle.
US needs to keep up drone war against Qaeda: Panetta.
NPR catches Leon Panetta in an apparent lie about civilian casualties from drones.
'Al-Qaeda fighters' arrested in northern Mali.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
U.S. government slams S&P with $5 billion fraud lawsuit.
Dell to go private in landmark $24.4 billion deal.
New BlackBerry to be released in US in mid-March.
Boeing requests Dreamliner test flights.
Currency war has started.