Brits Tortured Obama Patriarch in Kenya Revolt

Family members question 'car accident' story

(NEWSER) - The official story is that President Obama’s father died after crashing his car into a tree—but Obama’s family in Kenya fears foul play had a hand in his death, according to a book Peter Firstbrook is working on about the Obamas. Though Barack Sr.’s car appeared to have hit a tree, “he didn’t look like somebody who was involved in an accident,” the president’s cousin told Firstbrook. His grandmother told a similar tale. "His body was never broken, his vehicle was not badly crashed. He was just dead after the accident. Not even much blood was seen." More»

'Anti-colonialist' accusations misunderstand father and son

(NEWSER) - Those who suggest Barack Obama is a “rabid anti-colonialist” based on impressions of his father are way off the mark about both father and son, writes Bruce L.R. Smith in the Washington Post . Dinesh D’Souza recently argued that “the president inherited political radicalism from his father.” But Obama Sr.—whom Smith knew personally—“was, in fact, an urbane, Western-oriented intellectual” of an only “modestly leftist bent.” More»

Half-siblings, step-family of president are famous now

(NEWSER) - New York takes a look at President Obama’s far-flung—and now famous—family, complete with a handy PDF diagram and nicknames to help you remember who is who. George, the youngest half-brother, is arguably the (second) most famous, thanks to a minor drug arrest followed by a memoir deal, but there are quite a few more:

• Maya Soetoro-Ng: Obama’s half-sister, from his mother’s second marriage, she is the only sibling he knew growing up, and is the closest to him.

(NEWSER) - President Obama wrapped up the recreational side of his travel weekend by visiting the Grand Canyon and peppering park rangers with questions about it, the Arizona Republic reports. With Michelle, their daughters, and other members of the Obama clan, the president marveled at a view he last witnessed at age 11. Asked if it appeared the same to him, he said, "It does!" More»

Malik Obama undergoes tests for cholera in Kenya

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama's elder half-brother has been hospitalized in Kenya amid an outbreak of cholera in the region, reports the AP. Malik Obama, 51, was taken to the hospital Tuesday, and a domestic worker of his was hospitalized for cholera last week. Malik is the son of Barack Obama Sr. and his first wife, Kezia; he was best man at Barack and Michelle's wedding. More»