Obama Is 'Prepared to Talk to Hamas'

(NEWSER) - President Obama’s decision to scrap plans for a missile defense shield is a political bombshell, writes Robin Oakley for CNN. America’s allies in Poland and the Czech Republic are left holding the bag after expending significant political capital on the unpopular system. Abandoning it might make their lives easier, but it won’t make them likelier to embrace future US causes. Moscow, meanwhile, must choose whether to tout its victory or embrace the move as a sign of easing relations. More»

President decided last-minute to use 'appalled and outraged' language

(NEWSER) - When President Obama recently toughened his language against the Iranian government, saying he was “appalled and outraged” at its violence against demonstrators, it came as a “happy surprise” to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, administration officials tell the Washington Times. Clinton had been pushing for a tougher stance against Iran for a few days, with Obama preferring a more cautious approach. More»

President trades macho for cool

(NEWSER) - President Obama didn't swagger through his European road trip, but that doesn't mean he isn't ready to play hardball. "If George W. Bush was a cowboy, Obama is a group hug," writes Kathleen Parker in the Washington Post. The contrast between Obama, who's still establishing his presidential persona, and his predecessor couldn't be starker: "You can bring 'em on. Or you can calm 'em down." More»

Obama reaches out with unprecedented video greeting to the people of Iran

(NEWSER) - President Obama has offered Iran a fresh start in relations with the US in an unprecedented video message to the Iranian people and leadership, reports the BBC. The president, in a message released to mark the start of Iranian New Year and distributed to news outlets across the region, said his administration was committed to diplomacy, but warned that the process would not be advanced by threats. More»

Obama rings Britain's Brown to discuss Afghanistan, economy

(NEWSER) - Gordon Brown was the proud recipient of Barack Obama's first European phone call as president, the Guardian reports. The two leaders spoke for 15 minutes and discussed the need to make Afghanistan a priority. Obama, whose first overseas calls as president were to Palestinian Authority chief Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli PM Ehud Olmert, had earlier spoken to Saudi and Canadian leaders. More»