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Self-Inflicted Wounds: How Pelosi Got Into the CIA Mess

When House Speaker Nancy Pelosi emerged from her offices with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a photo op Tuesday – her first open media event since last Thursday’s disastrous press conference on what the CIA may or may not have briefed her about regarding its interrogation techniques — she was met by a wall of dozens of cameras. There’s always been a lot of media interest in the first female speaker, but Pelosi is learning the hard way that there’s a difference between attention for being a pioneer and attention for fouling up on the job. A lot has been written about Barack Obama’s learning curve in his first 100 days in office — understandably given his rapid ascent.

Sources: Senate Dems refuse Obama funds to shut down Gitmo

Senate Democrats will pull money to close the Guantanamo Bay military prison from a war funding bill instead of face an onslaught of criticism from Republicans, CNN has learned. Democratic leaders made the decision Tuesday morning, according to two Senate Democratic leadership sources. It is a blow to President Obama who announced, as one of his first official duties as president, that he would close the base by next January 22.

Netanyahu presses Congress over threat of nuclear Iran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his concern over the potential of a nuclear-armed Iran during meetings with top congressional leaders Tuesday. He met with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee first, followed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Leader John Boehner. An Iranian regime armed with nuclear weapons “is a great danger to all of us, to Israel specifically and to the moderate Arab regimes, [and] to America,” Netanyahu said after his meeting with Pelosi and Boehner

Borger: Obama ignores the ‘rules,’ stirs the pot

In politics, particularly after you’ve arrived at the White House, the rule of thumb is this: retreat from controversy. When it happens, as it inevitably will, try to back off

In pictures: Star power on full wattage at Cannes

Like the swarms of snapping paparazzi that constantly surround them, stars of all shades are irresistibly drawn (or contractually obliged) to show face at Cannes — quite simply, when the world’s most prestigious film festival turns the wattage up to full, there’s nowhere more glamorous. The subject of Speaker Michael Martin’s speech wasn’t clear.

UK lawmakers call for speaker to quit over expense scandal

Michael Martin, the speaker of the House of Commons, rebuffed calls from lawmakers for his resignation Monday amid widespread public anger about improper expense claims by UK members of parliament. Martin said lawmakers had let the public down “very badly indeed,” adding: “To the extent that I have contributed, I am profoundly sorry,” said Martin

Top Republicans want apology or proof from Pelosi

Top Republicans are demanding an apology from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi or proof to back her claim that the CIA misled Congress about the use of harsh interrogation tactics. Pelosi last week said that she was briefed by the CIA on such techniques only once — in September 2002 — and that she was told at the time that techniques like waterboarding were not being used. Pelosi, D-California, said she learned from an aide that waterboarding had been used after other lawmakers were briefed in 2003.

Stakes rise as drug war threatens to cross border

Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman Loera, a 54-year-old drug cartel leader whose nickname means "Shorty," is the most wanted man in Mexico. He’s also one of the most wanted men in the United States.

Commentary: Why Obama should release photos

Justifying his dramatic reversal of the decision to release photos showing abuse of detainees by U.S. soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, President Obama argued publication would "further inflame anti-American opinion and put our troops in greater danger." (CNN) — Justifying his dramatic reversal of the decision to release photos showing abuse of detainees by U.S. soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, President Obama argued publication would “further inflame anti-American opinion and put our troops in greater danger.” In fact, world opinion, particularly that of Muslims, would likely view the release of these horror images as representing a rupture for the better in American politics and foreign policy.

Myanmar junta tries Suu Kyi and her U.S. visitor

Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and an American man who swam to her lakeside home went on trial Monday behind closed doors inside a prison compound.