Yahoo! Elections - Destination 2012http://news.yahoo.com/elections/ en-USCopyright (c) 2013 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reservedSun, 02 Jun 2013 04:51:37 -04005Yahoo! Elections - Destination 2012http://news.yahoo.com/elections/ http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/nws/th/main_142c.gifIranian presidential candidate's staff arrested: reportBy Yeganeh Torbati DUBAI (Reuters) - Members of a moderate Iranian presidential candidate's campaign team were arrested on Saturday, an opposition website said, after a rally in which he criticized heightened security measures in the country. Supporters of Hassan Rohani also shouted slogans in support of detained opposition leader Mirhossein Mousavi at the rally in Tehran, according to a video of the event posted on YouTube. ...http://news.yahoo.com/iranian-presidential-candidates-staff-arrested-report-085137196.htmlSun, 02 Jun 2013 04:51:37 -0400Reutersiranian-presidential-candidates-staff-arrested-report-085137196Iran presidential debate on economy dissolves into chaos<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/iran-presidential-debate-economy-dissolves-chaos-194933806.html"><img src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/2UuSRTdt.ejd4kZnW0TEDw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-31T211050Z_1_CBRE94U1MU600_RTROPTP_2_IRAN-ELECTION-ROHANI.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="Former chief nuclear negotiator Hassan Rohani speaks during a conference at the Expediency Council's Research and Strategic Studies Center in Tehran" align="left" title="Former chief nuclear negotiator Hassan Rohani speaks during a conference at the Expediency Council's Research and Strategic Studies Center in Tehran" border="0" /></a>By Yeganeh Torbati and Zahra Hosseinian DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran's first debate between candidates for the presidency degenerated into acrimony live on state television on Friday when, instead of discussing the economy, some of the hopefuls resorted to sniping over the questions and format. The testy exchange between the moderator and reformist Mohammad Reza Aref, moderate Hassan Rohani, and conservative Mohsen Rezaie was the subject of wide ridicule by Iranian viewers who had tuned in for the four-hour discussion. ...</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/iran-presidential-debate-economy-dissolves-chaos-194933806.htmlFri, 31 May 2013 15:49:33 -0400Reutersiran-presidential-debate-economy-dissolves-chaos-194933806<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/iran-presidential-debate-economy-dissolves-chaos-194933806.html"><img src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/2UuSRTdt.ejd4kZnW0TEDw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-31T211050Z_1_CBRE94U1MU600_RTROPTP_2_IRAN-ELECTION-ROHANI.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="Former chief nuclear negotiator Hassan Rohani speaks during a conference at the Expediency Council's Research and Strategic Studies Center in Tehran" align="left" title="Former chief nuclear negotiator Hassan Rohani speaks during a conference at the Expediency Council's Research and Strategic Studies Center in Tehran" border="0" /></a>By Yeganeh Torbati and Zahra Hosseinian DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran's first debate between candidates for the presidency degenerated into acrimony live on state television on Friday when, instead of discussing the economy, some of the hopefuls resorted to sniping over the questions and format. The testy exchange between the moderator and reformist Mohammad Reza Aref, moderate Hassan Rohani, and conservative Mohsen Rezaie was the subject of wide ridicule by Iranian viewers who had tuned in for the four-hour discussion. ...</p><br clear="all"/>Insight: How Treasury's tax loophole mistake saves companies billions each year<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/insight-u-treasurys-tax-loophole-mistake-saves-companies-000357896.html"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/QqzQOQ3rudHiN0UnS.KkQw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-31T005544Z_2_CBRE94U02KE00_RTROPTP_2_CBUSINESS-US-USA-TAX-CHECKTHEBOX-INSIGHT.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="Levin and McCain question Apple CEO Cook at Senate homeland security and governmental affairs investigations subcommittee hearing in Washington" align="left" title="Levin and McCain question Apple CEO Cook at Senate homeland security and governmental affairs investigations subcommittee hearing in Washington" border="0" /></a>By Kevin Drawbaugh and Andy Sullivan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - As the U.S. economy crumbled in early 2009, President Barack Obama offered a plan that he said would save American jobs: a crackdown on corporate tax loopholes that encourage companies to send profits abroad to avoid paying billions of dollars in U.S. taxes each year. Tax lobbyist Ken Kies was not worried. A decade earlier, he had led a fight to preserve a key loophole - known in Treasury Department shorthand as the "check the box" rule - when another Democratic president, Bill Clinton, had tried to kill it. ...</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/insight-u-treasurys-tax-loophole-mistake-saves-companies-000357896.htmlThu, 30 May 2013 20:05:04 -0400Reutersinsight-u-treasurys-tax-loophole-mistake-saves-companies-000357896<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/insight-u-treasurys-tax-loophole-mistake-saves-companies-000357896.html"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/QqzQOQ3rudHiN0UnS.KkQw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-31T005544Z_2_CBRE94U02KE00_RTROPTP_2_CBUSINESS-US-USA-TAX-CHECKTHEBOX-INSIGHT.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="Levin and McCain question Apple CEO Cook at Senate homeland security and governmental affairs investigations subcommittee hearing in Washington" align="left" title="Levin and McCain question Apple CEO Cook at Senate homeland security and governmental affairs investigations subcommittee hearing in Washington" border="0" /></a>By Kevin Drawbaugh and Andy Sullivan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - As the U.S. economy crumbled in early 2009, President Barack Obama offered a plan that he said would save American jobs: a crackdown on corporate tax loopholes that encourage companies to send profits abroad to avoid paying billions of dollars in U.S. taxes each year. Tax lobbyist Ken Kies was not worried. A decade earlier, he had led a fight to preserve a key loophole - known in Treasury Department shorthand as the "check the box" rule - when another Democratic president, Bill Clinton, had tried to kill it. ...</p><br clear="all"/>Under fire, conservative Bachmann calls it quits in U.S. Congress<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/ardent-conservative-bachmann-not-see-election-congress-100721680.html"><img src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/Rvi3CekxvkcV7Rg3vZgqbw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-29T144340Z_2_CBRE94S0ZIM00_RTROPTP_2_USA-BACHMANN.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="File image of Bachmann speaking next to Romney during a rally at Crofton Industries in Portsmouth" align="left" title="File image of Bachmann speaking next to Romney during a rally at Crofton Industries in Portsmouth" border="0" /></a>By John Whitesides WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Michele Bachmann, a Tea Party firebrand and 2012 presidential contender, announced on Wednesday she will not seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives but said her surprise decision had nothing to do with multiple investigations into her campaign finances. Bachmann, a conservative Minnesota Republican whose outspoken style and sharp criticism of President Barack Obama made her a prominent and polarizing national figure, did not give a specific reason for stepping down. ...</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/ardent-conservative-bachmann-not-see-election-congress-100721680.htmlWed, 29 May 2013 17:40:41 -0400Reutersardent-conservative-bachmann-not-see-election-congress-100721680<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/ardent-conservative-bachmann-not-see-election-congress-100721680.html"><img src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/Rvi3CekxvkcV7Rg3vZgqbw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-29T144340Z_2_CBRE94S0ZIM00_RTROPTP_2_USA-BACHMANN.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="File image of Bachmann speaking next to Romney during a rally at Crofton Industries in Portsmouth" align="left" title="File image of Bachmann speaking next to Romney during a rally at Crofton Industries in Portsmouth" border="0" /></a>By John Whitesides WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Michele Bachmann, a Tea Party firebrand and 2012 presidential contender, announced on Wednesday she will not seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives but said her surprise decision had nothing to do with multiple investigations into her campaign finances. Bachmann, a conservative Minnesota Republican whose outspoken style and sharp criticism of President Barack Obama made her a prominent and polarizing national figure, did not give a specific reason for stepping down. ...</p><br clear="all"/>Iran's Khamenei says has no favorite to succeed Ahmadinejad<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/irans-khamenei-says-no-favorite-succeed-ahmadinejad-115305067.html"><img src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/ukYib6Dr7.X9BjrDI5Kdvg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-29T115305Z_1_CBRE94S0X0X00_RTROPTP_2_CNEWS-US-IRAN-ELECTION-KHAMENEI.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during the 16th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in Tehran" align="left" title="Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during the 16th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in Tehran" border="0" /></a>By Yeganeh Torbati DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said on Wednesday he does not favor any candidate for June's presidential election, although hardliners with outlooks similar to his dominate the field. The field of candidates was narrowed considerably last week when the Guardian Council, a body of clerics and jurists that vets all candidates, disqualified two independent contenders - former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and Esfandiar Rahim Mashaie, a close aide of current President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. ...</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/irans-khamenei-says-no-favorite-succeed-ahmadinejad-115305067.htmlWed, 29 May 2013 07:53:05 -0400Reutersirans-khamenei-says-no-favorite-succeed-ahmadinejad-115305067<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/irans-khamenei-says-no-favorite-succeed-ahmadinejad-115305067.html"><img src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/ukYib6Dr7.X9BjrDI5Kdvg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-29T115305Z_1_CBRE94S0X0X00_RTROPTP_2_CNEWS-US-IRAN-ELECTION-KHAMENEI.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during the 16th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in Tehran" align="left" title="Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during the 16th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in Tehran" border="0" /></a>By Yeganeh Torbati DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said on Wednesday he does not favor any candidate for June's presidential election, although hardliners with outlooks similar to his dominate the field. The field of candidates was narrowed considerably last week when the Guardian Council, a body of clerics and jurists that vets all candidates, disqualified two independent contenders - former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and Esfandiar Rahim Mashaie, a close aide of current President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. ...</p><br clear="all"/>Iran's presidential candidates clash over nuclear approach<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/irans-presidential-candidates-clash-over-nuclear-approach-174307539.html"><img src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/hVFMp0Him_H198tAdEc0Sg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-28T174307Z_1_CBRE94R1D8400_RTROPTP_2_IRAN-ELECTION-ROHANI.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="Former chief nuclear negotiator Hassan Rohani speaks during a conference at the Expediency Council's Research and Strategic Studies Center in Tehran" align="left" title="Former chief nuclear negotiator Hassan Rohani speaks during a conference at the Expediency Council's Research and Strategic Studies Center in Tehran" border="0" /></a>By Yeganeh Torbati DUBAI (Reuters) - A former Iranian nuclear negotiator running for president used his first television appearance of the campaign to reject accusations he had been too soft in talks with world powers. The most prominent moderate candidate in an election dominated by hardliners, cleric Hassan Rohani, nuclear negotiator from 2003 to 2005, oversaw an agreement to suspend Iran's fledgling uranium enrichment-related activities. ...</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/irans-presidential-candidates-clash-over-nuclear-approach-174307539.htmlTue, 28 May 2013 13:43:07 -0400Reutersirans-presidential-candidates-clash-over-nuclear-approach-174307539<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/irans-presidential-candidates-clash-over-nuclear-approach-174307539.html"><img src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/hVFMp0Him_H198tAdEc0Sg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-28T174307Z_1_CBRE94R1D8400_RTROPTP_2_IRAN-ELECTION-ROHANI.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="Former chief nuclear negotiator Hassan Rohani speaks during a conference at the Expediency Council's Research and Strategic Studies Center in Tehran" align="left" title="Former chief nuclear negotiator Hassan Rohani speaks during a conference at the Expediency Council's Research and Strategic Studies Center in Tehran" border="0" /></a>By Yeganeh Torbati DUBAI (Reuters) - A former Iranian nuclear negotiator running for president used his first television appearance of the campaign to reject accusations he had been too soft in talks with world powers. The most prominent moderate candidate in an election dominated by hardliners, cleric Hassan Rohani, nuclear negotiator from 2003 to 2005, oversaw an agreement to suspend Iran's fledgling uranium enrichment-related activities. ...</p><br clear="all"/>Zimbabwe minister says economy shrinking on vote uncertainty<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/african-neighbors-help-fund-zimbabwe-vote-mugabe-115256142.html"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/uyTI1hR809tctCI964upng--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-28T161033Z_2_CBRE94R0X0F00_RTROPTP_2_ZIMBABWE-CONSTITUTION.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe signs Zimbabwe's new constitution into law in the capital Harare" align="left" title="Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe signs Zimbabwe's new constitution into law in the capital Harare" border="0" /></a>By MacDonald Dzirutwe HARARE (Reuters) - Uncertainty over the date of elections in Zimbabwe is pushing the fragile economy closer to recession just as it was pulling out of a decade of decline, the finance minister said on Tuesday. Presidential and parliamentary elections should be held this year but political reforms and problems finding the money to pay for the vote in the impoverished country are holding things up and no date has been set. ...</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/african-neighbors-help-fund-zimbabwe-vote-mugabe-115256142.htmlTue, 28 May 2013 12:10:33 -0400Reutersafrican-neighbors-help-fund-zimbabwe-vote-mugabe-115256142<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/african-neighbors-help-fund-zimbabwe-vote-mugabe-115256142.html"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/uyTI1hR809tctCI964upng--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-28T161033Z_2_CBRE94R0X0F00_RTROPTP_2_ZIMBABWE-CONSTITUTION.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe signs Zimbabwe's new constitution into law in the capital Harare" align="left" title="Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe signs Zimbabwe's new constitution into law in the capital Harare" border="0" /></a>By MacDonald Dzirutwe HARARE (Reuters) - Uncertainty over the date of elections in Zimbabwe is pushing the fragile economy closer to recession just as it was pulling out of a decade of decline, the finance minister said on Tuesday. Presidential and parliamentary elections should be held this year but political reforms and problems finding the money to pay for the vote in the impoverished country are holding things up and no date has been set. ...</p><br clear="all"/>Second former Peru president faces inquiry before campaignLIMA (Reuters) - Peru's Alejandro Toledo was grilled in Congress on Monday over his family's purchase of a luxury home in Lima, making him the second former president to face inquiries that could narrow the 2016 presidential field. A preliminary investigation by the attorney general's office into Toledo's real estate dealings comes as two-time former President Alan Garcia faces official inquiries over thousands of presidential pardons he granted to convicted drug traffickers during his 2006-2011 term. Both politicians have denied any wrongdoing. ...http://news.yahoo.com/second-former-peru-president-faces-inquiry-campaign-224021689.htmlMon, 27 May 2013 18:40:21 -0400Reuterssecond-former-peru-president-faces-inquiry-campaign-224021689For Republicans like Rand Paul, the 2016 campaign has begun<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/republicans-rand-paul-2016-campaign-begun-152602992.html"><img src="http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/uJY20Am99OTm77CZz3UNRA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-24T152602Z_1_CBRE94N16VN00_RTROPTP_2_USA-TAX-APPLE.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="U.S. Senator Paul speaks during a Senate homeland security and governmental affairs investigations subcommittee hearing in Washington" align="left" title="U.S. Senator Paul speaks during a Senate homeland security and governmental affairs investigations subcommittee hearing in Washington" border="0" /></a>By Samuel P. Jacobs CONCORD, New Hampshire (Reuters) - Seeking to raise money for the New Hampshire Republican Party, state chairwoman Jennifer Horn recently called the party's national boss, Reince Priebus, with a question: Could he get Rand Paul to visit? The request, and Paul's appearance here last Monday in a room packed with 500 Republicans, spoke volumes about the party as its followers - some energized by the scandals surrounding Democratic President Barack Obama's administration - are already looking to the 2016 elections. ...</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/republicans-rand-paul-2016-campaign-begun-152602992.htmlFri, 24 May 2013 11:26:02 -0400Reutersrepublicans-rand-paul-2016-campaign-begun-152602992<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/republicans-rand-paul-2016-campaign-begun-152602992.html"><img src="http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/uJY20Am99OTm77CZz3UNRA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-24T152602Z_1_CBRE94N16VN00_RTROPTP_2_USA-TAX-APPLE.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="U.S. Senator Paul speaks during a Senate homeland security and governmental affairs investigations subcommittee hearing in Washington" align="left" title="U.S. Senator Paul speaks during a Senate homeland security and governmental affairs investigations subcommittee hearing in Washington" border="0" /></a>By Samuel P. Jacobs CONCORD, New Hampshire (Reuters) - Seeking to raise money for the New Hampshire Republican Party, state chairwoman Jennifer Horn recently called the party's national boss, Reince Priebus, with a question: Could he get Rand Paul to visit? The request, and Paul's appearance here last Monday in a room packed with 500 Republicans, spoke volumes about the party as its followers - some energized by the scandals surrounding Democratic President Barack Obama's administration - are already looking to the 2016 elections. ...</p><br clear="all"/>Iran's rulers risk alienating voters by candidate bans<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/irans-ahmadinejad-challenge-allys-ban-election-093738354.html"><img src="http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/dck2TiZM8mjVa2hkYQUxtA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-22T125111Z_1_CBRE94L0QQZ00_RTROPTP_2_ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS-IRAN.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="Iran's President Ahmadinejad speaks during a media conference at Iran's embassy after he attended the Developing-8 summit in Islamabad" align="left" title="Iran's President Ahmadinejad speaks during a media conference at Iran's embassy after he attended the Developing-8 summit in Islamabad" border="0" /></a>By Yeganeh Torbati and Marcus George DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran's clerical rulers may have sought to remove any challenge to their grip by barring two vivid contenders from next month's presidential election, but they risk alienating voters already disillusioned by the violent aftermath of the 2009 poll. The June 14 vote will have little bearing on the policies that have long put Iran at odds with the West - ranging from its nuclear program to its support for Syria's President Bashar al-Assad and Lebanon's Shi'ite Hezbollah guerrillas. ...</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/irans-ahmadinejad-challenge-allys-ban-election-093738354.htmlWed, 22 May 2013 08:51:11 -0400Reutersirans-ahmadinejad-challenge-allys-ban-election-093738354<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/irans-ahmadinejad-challenge-allys-ban-election-093738354.html"><img src="http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/dck2TiZM8mjVa2hkYQUxtA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-22T125111Z_1_CBRE94L0QQZ00_RTROPTP_2_ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS-IRAN.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="Iran's President Ahmadinejad speaks during a media conference at Iran's embassy after he attended the Developing-8 summit in Islamabad" align="left" title="Iran's President Ahmadinejad speaks during a media conference at Iran's embassy after he attended the Developing-8 summit in Islamabad" border="0" /></a>By Yeganeh Torbati and Marcus George DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran's clerical rulers may have sought to remove any challenge to their grip by barring two vivid contenders from next month's presidential election, but they risk alienating voters already disillusioned by the violent aftermath of the 2009 poll. The June 14 vote will have little bearing on the policies that have long put Iran at odds with the West - ranging from its nuclear program to its support for Syria's President Bashar al-Assad and Lebanon's Shi'ite Hezbollah guerrillas. ...</p><br clear="all"/>Iran's Ahmadinejad says will challenge ally's ban from electionDUBAI (Reuters) - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Wednesday he would take up the ban of his close aide from the June 14 presidential election with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iranian media reported. Iran's electoral watchdog on Tuesday disqualified Esfandiar Rahim Mashaie, Ahmadinejad's former chief of staff, and moderate ex-president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani from running in the vote, eliminating two powerful and potentially disruptive candidates and leaving the field dominated by hardliners loyal to Khamenei. "I introduced Mr. ...http://news.yahoo.com/irans-ahmadinejad-says-challenge-allys-ban-election-065127947.htmlWed, 22 May 2013 03:14:05 -0400Reutersirans-ahmadinejad-says-challenge-allys-ban-election-065127947Tax official at center of scandal won't testify: lawyer<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/white-house-counsel-kept-irs-probe-results-obama-012344283.html"><img src="http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/C4j1HwyUxcIn0ai8QO9JnQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-20T184004Z_1_CBRE94J1BJ100_RTROPTP_2_OBAMA.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="U.S. President Obama delivers a statement about the Internal Revenue Service from the East Room of the White House in Washington" align="left" title="U.S. President Obama delivers a statement about the Internal Revenue Service from the East Room of the White House in Washington" border="0" /></a>By Kim Dixon WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Lois Lerner, the Internal Revenue Service official at the center of a scandal about the targeting of conservative groups for extra tax scrutiny, plans to assert her constitutional right not to answer questions from a congressional committee on Wednesday. "She has not committed any crime or made any misrepresentation but under the circumstances she has no choice but to take this course," Lerner's attorney, William Taylor, wrote on Monday to the chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee that is holding hearings into the IRS scandal. ...</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/white-house-counsel-kept-irs-probe-results-obama-012344283.htmlTue, 21 May 2013 18:36:12 -0400Reuterswhite-house-counsel-kept-irs-probe-results-obama-012344283<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/white-house-counsel-kept-irs-probe-results-obama-012344283.html"><img src="http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/C4j1HwyUxcIn0ai8QO9JnQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-20T184004Z_1_CBRE94J1BJ100_RTROPTP_2_OBAMA.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="U.S. President Obama delivers a statement about the Internal Revenue Service from the East Room of the White House in Washington" align="left" title="U.S. President Obama delivers a statement about the Internal Revenue Service from the East Room of the White House in Washington" border="0" /></a>By Kim Dixon WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Lois Lerner, the Internal Revenue Service official at the center of a scandal about the targeting of conservative groups for extra tax scrutiny, plans to assert her constitutional right not to answer questions from a congressional committee on Wednesday. "She has not committed any crime or made any misrepresentation but under the circumstances she has no choice but to take this course," Lerner's attorney, William Taylor, wrote on Monday to the chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee that is holding hearings into the IRS scandal. ...</p><br clear="all"/>Iran agency says it heard Rafsanjani and Mashaie barred from vote<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/iran-agency-says-heard-rafsanjani-mashaie-barred-vote-153538383.html"><img src="http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/4qEkuSWRHrvMpOJrj_m.GQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-21T153538Z_1_CBRE94K17BG00_RTROPTP_2_IRAN-ELECTION.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="Former President Rafsanjani casts his ballot in a parliamentary election in Tehran" align="left" title="Former President Rafsanjani casts his ballot in a parliamentary election in Tehran" border="0" /></a>DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency said on Tuesday that it had heard that the Guardian Council, which is vetting candidates for next month's presidential election, had barred former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and a leading ally of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from running. If true, the exclusion of Rafsanjani and Esfandiar Rahim Mashaie, a former chief of staff to Ahmadinejad detested by the clerical establishment, would leave the presidential race dominated by hardline conservatives close to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. ...</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/iran-agency-says-heard-rafsanjani-mashaie-barred-vote-153538383.htmlTue, 21 May 2013 11:35:38 -0400Reutersiran-agency-says-heard-rafsanjani-mashaie-barred-vote-153538383<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/iran-agency-says-heard-rafsanjani-mashaie-barred-vote-153538383.html"><img src="http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/4qEkuSWRHrvMpOJrj_m.GQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-21T153538Z_1_CBRE94K17BG00_RTROPTP_2_IRAN-ELECTION.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="Former President Rafsanjani casts his ballot in a parliamentary election in Tehran" align="left" title="Former President Rafsanjani casts his ballot in a parliamentary election in Tehran" border="0" /></a>DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency said on Tuesday that it had heard that the Guardian Council, which is vetting candidates for next month's presidential election, had barred former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and a leading ally of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from running. If true, the exclusion of Rafsanjani and Esfandiar Rahim Mashaie, a former chief of staff to Ahmadinejad detested by the clerical establishment, would leave the presidential race dominated by hardline conservatives close to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. ...</p><br clear="all"/>Iranians face new Internet curbs before presidential electionBy Yeganeh Torbati DUBAI (Reuters) - Iranians are struggling with slower Internet speeds and limited access ahead of an unpredictable presidential election that has put hardline Islamist authorities on alert for possible unrest. Experts and web users say they believe the Internet obstacles are related to the June 14 presidential vote, the first since 2009 polls in which accusations of fraud - denied by the government - kindled months of protests organised in part via social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. ...http://news.yahoo.com/iranians-face-internet-curbs-presidential-election-122712408.htmlTue, 21 May 2013 08:27:12 -0400Reutersiranians-face-internet-curbs-presidential-election-122712408Analysis: Shrinking deficit reduces pressure for budget deal<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/analysis-shrinking-deficit-reduces-pressure-budget-deal-050944560.html"><img src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/GruQ8lFGlUd8jATe2Hz1XQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-20T050944Z_1_CBRE94J0ELS00_RTROPTP_2_CBUSINESS-US-USA-FISCAL-DEBT-ANALYSIS.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="The National Debt Clock hangs on a wall next to an office for the Internal Revenue Service near Times Square in New York" align="left" title="The National Debt Clock hangs on a wall next to an office for the Internal Revenue Service near Times Square in New York" border="0" /></a>By Jason Lange and David Lawder WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The chances of a deal between Democratic and Republican lawmakers that would overhaul the tax system, trim government spending and reform safety net spending programs appear to be fading. A sudden improvement in the outlook for the government deficit over the next decade has alleviated some of the pressure on lawmakers to act. And a spate of scandals, involving the Internal Revenue Service, security for the U.S. ...</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/analysis-shrinking-deficit-reduces-pressure-budget-deal-050944560.htmlMon, 20 May 2013 01:09:44 -0400Reutersanalysis-shrinking-deficit-reduces-pressure-budget-deal-050944560<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/analysis-shrinking-deficit-reduces-pressure-budget-deal-050944560.html"><img src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/GruQ8lFGlUd8jATe2Hz1XQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-20T050944Z_1_CBRE94J0ELS00_RTROPTP_2_CBUSINESS-US-USA-FISCAL-DEBT-ANALYSIS.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="The National Debt Clock hangs on a wall next to an office for the Internal Revenue Service near Times Square in New York" align="left" title="The National Debt Clock hangs on a wall next to an office for the Internal Revenue Service near Times Square in New York" border="0" /></a>By Jason Lange and David Lawder WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The chances of a deal between Democratic and Republican lawmakers that would overhaul the tax system, trim government spending and reform safety net spending programs appear to be fading. A sudden improvement in the outlook for the government deficit over the next decade has alleviated some of the pressure on lawmakers to act. And a spate of scandals, involving the Internal Revenue Service, security for the U.S. ...</p><br clear="all"/>Colombian president hints he will run for re-election in 2014<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/colombias-santos-hints-run-election-2014-144835972.html"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/CnGoSFnyz7tQe4hNCrZikg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-17T163112Z_2_CBRE94G155300_RTROPTP_2_CNEWS-US-COLOMBIA-ELECTION-SANTOS.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos speaks during the inauguration of the 26th International Book Fair in Bogota" align="left" title="Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos speaks during the inauguration of the 26th International Book Fair in Bogota" border="0" /></a>By Helen Murphy BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos hinted on Friday that he would seek re-election next year to ensure continuity of his policies - including peace talks with Marxist FARC rebels - though he did not explicitly announce his candidacy. "I want clearly and firmly to see that the government's policies continue after August 7, 2014," Santos said, referring to the date a new administration would take office. "I want the peace policy re-elected, I want the housing policy re-elected, those that have reduced poverty - re-elected," he told reporters in Bogota. ...</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/colombias-santos-hints-run-election-2014-144835972.htmlFri, 17 May 2013 12:31:12 -0400Reuterscolombias-santos-hints-run-election-2014-144835972<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/colombias-santos-hints-run-election-2014-144835972.html"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/CnGoSFnyz7tQe4hNCrZikg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-17T163112Z_2_CBRE94G155300_RTROPTP_2_CNEWS-US-COLOMBIA-ELECTION-SANTOS.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos speaks during the inauguration of the 26th International Book Fair in Bogota" align="left" title="Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos speaks during the inauguration of the 26th International Book Fair in Bogota" border="0" /></a>By Helen Murphy BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos hinted on Friday that he would seek re-election next year to ensure continuity of his policies - including peace talks with Marxist FARC rebels - though he did not explicitly announce his candidacy. "I want clearly and firmly to see that the government's policies continue after August 7, 2014," Santos said, referring to the date a new administration would take office. "I want the peace policy re-elected, I want the housing policy re-elected, those that have reduced poverty - re-elected," he told reporters in Bogota. ...</p><br clear="all"/>Iran MPs urge ban on presidential runs by Rafsanjani, Mashaie<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/iran-mps-urge-ban-presidential-runs-rafsanjani-mashaie-142246328.html"><img src="http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/LF_TMQ0uVdcl5SrFzw4w7Q--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-15T142246Z_1_CBRE94E13Y800_RTROPTP_2_CNEWS-US-IRAN-ELECTION.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="Former Iranian president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani gives the opening speech during Iran's Assembly of Experts' biannual meeting in Tehran" align="left" title="Former Iranian president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani gives the opening speech during Iran's Assembly of Experts' biannual meeting in Tehran" border="0" /></a>By Yeganeh Torbati DUBAI (Reuters) - Some 100 legislators are demanding a ban on two top independent candidates including ex-president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani from Iran's June presidential election in what may be a further move to thwart any brewing challenge to the clerical supreme leader. The petition by parliamentarians to Iran's Guardian Council emerged three days after the electoral watchdog said outgoing President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad may face charges for accompanying former aide Esfandiar Rahim Mashaie, the other high-profile independent, to register on Saturday for the vote. ...</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/iran-mps-urge-ban-presidential-runs-rafsanjani-mashaie-142246328.htmlWed, 15 May 2013 10:22:46 -0400Reutersiran-mps-urge-ban-presidential-runs-rafsanjani-mashaie-142246328<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/iran-mps-urge-ban-presidential-runs-rafsanjani-mashaie-142246328.html"><img src="http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/LF_TMQ0uVdcl5SrFzw4w7Q--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-15T142246Z_1_CBRE94E13Y800_RTROPTP_2_CNEWS-US-IRAN-ELECTION.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="Former Iranian president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani gives the opening speech during Iran's Assembly of Experts' biannual meeting in Tehran" align="left" title="Former Iranian president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani gives the opening speech during Iran's Assembly of Experts' biannual meeting in Tehran" border="0" /></a>By Yeganeh Torbati DUBAI (Reuters) - Some 100 legislators are demanding a ban on two top independent candidates including ex-president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani from Iran's June presidential election in what may be a further move to thwart any brewing challenge to the clerical supreme leader. The petition by parliamentarians to Iran's Guardian Council emerged three days after the electoral watchdog said outgoing President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad may face charges for accompanying former aide Esfandiar Rahim Mashaie, the other high-profile independent, to register on Saturday for the vote. ...</p><br clear="all"/>Iran's Ahmadinejad may face charges over election appearance with aide<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/irans-ahmadinejad-may-face-charges-over-election-appearance-183145555.html"><img src="http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/5XwtVZ_UzhNn_fkCf415oA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-13T183145Z_1_CBRE94C1FH100_RTROPTP_2_USA.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="Part of a poster left over from a protest denouncing Iran's President Ahmadinejad is pictured near United Nations headquarters in New York" align="left" title="Part of a poster left over from a protest denouncing Iran's President Ahmadinejad is pictured near United Nations headquarters in New York" border="0" /></a>DUBAI (Reuters) - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad may face charges for accompanying an ally to register for the June presidential vote, the electoral watchdog said, in a possible move by rival conservative hardliners keen to pre-empt any challenge to Iran's clerical supreme leader. After mass protests that followed the 2009 election, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei may have looked to next month's vote to install a loyal conservative president but the surprise candidacies of two major independents could rewrite that script. ...</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/irans-ahmadinejad-may-face-charges-over-election-appearance-183145555.htmlMon, 13 May 2013 14:31:45 -0400Reutersirans-ahmadinejad-may-face-charges-over-election-appearance-183145555<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/irans-ahmadinejad-may-face-charges-over-election-appearance-183145555.html"><img src="http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/5XwtVZ_UzhNn_fkCf415oA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-13T183145Z_1_CBRE94C1FH100_RTROPTP_2_USA.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="Part of a poster left over from a protest denouncing Iran's President Ahmadinejad is pictured near United Nations headquarters in New York" align="left" title="Part of a poster left over from a protest denouncing Iran's President Ahmadinejad is pictured near United Nations headquarters in New York" border="0" /></a>DUBAI (Reuters) - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad may face charges for accompanying an ally to register for the June presidential vote, the electoral watchdog said, in a possible move by rival conservative hardliners keen to pre-empt any challenge to Iran's clerical supreme leader. After mass protests that followed the 2009 election, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei may have looked to next month's vote to install a loyal conservative president but the surprise candidacies of two major independents could rewrite that script. ...</p><br clear="all"/>Analysis: Iran election opens up as surprise candidates enter race<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/analysis-iran-election-opens-surprise-candidates-enter-race-093048526.html"><img src="http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/UAUlMmEOM8Tlhzs5vRDRxg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-13T093048Z_1_CBRE94C0QFM00_RTROPTP_2_CNEWS-US-IRAN-ELECTION-CANDIDATES-ANALYSIS.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="A man holds a banner of Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in front of the Al-Hussein mosque before Ahmadinejad's visit to the mosque in old Cairo" align="left" title="A man holds a banner of Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in front of the Al-Hussein mosque before Ahmadinejad's visit to the mosque in old Cairo" border="0" /></a>By Marcus George DUBAI (Reuters) - After the huge protests that followed the 2009 election, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei may have hoped June polls would quietly install a loyal conservative president, but the surprise candidacies of two major independents may scupper that. Both Esfandiar Rahim Mashaie, the nationalist protégé of outspoken President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, a former president and Iran's best known political grandee, are seen as a threat to the leader's authority. ...</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/analysis-iran-election-opens-surprise-candidates-enter-race-093048526.htmlMon, 13 May 2013 05:30:48 -0400Reutersanalysis-iran-election-opens-surprise-candidates-enter-race-093048526<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/analysis-iran-election-opens-surprise-candidates-enter-race-093048526.html"><img src="http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/UAUlMmEOM8Tlhzs5vRDRxg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-13T093048Z_1_CBRE94C0QFM00_RTROPTP_2_CNEWS-US-IRAN-ELECTION-CANDIDATES-ANALYSIS.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="A man holds a banner of Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in front of the Al-Hussein mosque before Ahmadinejad's visit to the mosque in old Cairo" align="left" title="A man holds a banner of Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in front of the Al-Hussein mosque before Ahmadinejad's visit to the mosque in old Cairo" border="0" /></a>By Marcus George DUBAI (Reuters) - After the huge protests that followed the 2009 election, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei may have hoped June polls would quietly install a loyal conservative president, but the surprise candidacies of two major independents may scupper that. Both Esfandiar Rahim Mashaie, the nationalist protégé of outspoken President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, a former president and Iran's best known political grandee, are seen as a threat to the leader's authority. ...</p><br clear="all"/>Analysis: Iran election race opens up as surprise candidate enter<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/analysis-iran-election-race-opens-surprise-candidate-enter-192900412.html"><img src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/v6DGmh3hnzHkgyfgsv.orQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-12T192900Z_1_CBRE94B1I4T00_RTROPTP_2_IRAN.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, head of Iran's Assembly of Experts, gives the opening speech during the assembly's biannual meeting in Tehran" align="left" title="Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, head of Iran's Assembly of Experts, gives the opening speech during the assembly's biannual meeting in Tehran" border="0" /></a>By Marcus George DUBAI (Reuters) - After the huge protests that followed the 2009 election, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei may have hoped June polls would quietly install a loyal conservative president, but the surprise candidacies of two major independents may scupper that. Both Esfandiar Rahim Mashaie, the nationalist protégé of rabble-rousing President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, a former president and Iran's best known political grandee, are seen as a threat to the leader's authority. ...</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/analysis-iran-election-race-opens-surprise-candidate-enter-192900412.htmlSun, 12 May 2013 15:29:00 -0400Reutersanalysis-iran-election-race-opens-surprise-candidate-enter-192900412<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/analysis-iran-election-race-opens-surprise-candidate-enter-192900412.html"><img src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/v6DGmh3hnzHkgyfgsv.orQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-12T192900Z_1_CBRE94B1I4T00_RTROPTP_2_IRAN.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, head of Iran's Assembly of Experts, gives the opening speech during the assembly's biannual meeting in Tehran" align="left" title="Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, head of Iran's Assembly of Experts, gives the opening speech during the assembly's biannual meeting in Tehran" border="0" /></a>By Marcus George DUBAI (Reuters) - After the huge protests that followed the 2009 election, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei may have hoped June polls would quietly install a loyal conservative president, but the surprise candidacies of two major independents may scupper that. Both Esfandiar Rahim Mashaie, the nationalist protégé of rabble-rousing President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, a former president and Iran's best known political grandee, are seen as a threat to the leader's authority. ...</p><br clear="all"/>Egypt court to rule next month on challenge to upper houseCAIRO (Reuters) - Egypt's highest court will rule next month on the legality of the upper house of parliament, judicial sources said on Sunday, in a case that throws more legal doubt over a political transition repeatedly disrupted by lawsuits. A ruling against the Muslim Brotherhood-led upper house by the Supreme Constitutional Court on June 2 could lead to the dissolution of the chamber and result in legislative power being transferred to President Mohamed Mursi. The case, brought by an independent parliamentary candidate, stems from a similar challenge to the lower house last year. ...http://news.yahoo.com/egypt-court-rule-next-month-challenge-upper-house-164033179.htmlSun, 12 May 2013 12:40:33 -0400Reutersegypt-court-rule-next-month-challenge-upper-house-164033179Ahmadinejad protégé poses challenge to Iran's leaderBy Marcus George DUBAI (Reuters) - President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's nationalist protégé Esfandiar Rahim Mashaie is one of the most divisive men in Iran, and if he is allowed to stand in June's presidential election, it would be a direct challenge to the authority of the supreme leader. Mashaie brought to an end years of speculation on Saturday by registering as a candidate in an election that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei hopes will usher in a period of much needed calm and unity. ...http://news.yahoo.com/ahmadinejad-prot-g-poses-challenge-irans-leader-180634909.htmlSat, 11 May 2013 14:06:34 -0400Reutersahmadinejad-prot-g-poses-challenge-irans-leader-180634909Rafsanjani's last-minute entry transforms Iranian race<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/iran-political-big-hitters-run-president-070652616.html"><img src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/3KFBf5WD2QrqZgehieoShQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-11T151241Z_3_CBRE94A0JRS00_RTROPTP_2_IRAN-ASSEMBLY.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="Rafsanjani speaks during the 7th session of the Assembly in Tehran" align="left" title="Rafsanjani speaks during the 7th session of the Assembly in Tehran" border="0" /></a>By Yeganeh Torbati and Marcus George DUBAI (Reuters) - Former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani threw himself into Iran's election race on Saturday as a flurry of heavyweight candidates rushed to beat the registration deadline in the most unpredictable contest for decades. Iranian media reported that Rafsanjani - a relative moderate - had registered for the June 14 presidential election with just minutes to spare. His candidacy radically alters what was previously seen as a contest between rival conservative groups. ...</p><br clear="all"/>http://news.yahoo.com/iran-political-big-hitters-run-president-070652616.htmlSat, 11 May 2013 11:12:41 -0400Reutersiran-political-big-hitters-run-president-070652616<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/iran-political-big-hitters-run-president-070652616.html"><img src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/3KFBf5WD2QrqZgehieoShQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-11T151241Z_3_CBRE94A0JRS00_RTROPTP_2_IRAN-ASSEMBLY.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="Rafsanjani speaks during the 7th session of the Assembly in Tehran" align="left" title="Rafsanjani speaks during the 7th session of the Assembly in Tehran" border="0" /></a>By Yeganeh Torbati and Marcus George DUBAI (Reuters) - Former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani threw himself into Iran's election race on Saturday as a flurry of heavyweight candidates rushed to beat the registration deadline in the most unpredictable contest for decades. Iranian media reported that Rafsanjani - a relative moderate - had registered for the June 14 presidential election with just minutes to spare. His candidacy radically alters what was previously seen as a contest between rival conservative groups. ...</p><br clear="all"/>Former Iranian president Rafsanjani enters presidency ring againDUBAI (Reuters) - Former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani registered for Iran's presidential election minutes before the expiry of the deadline for candidates to declare, Iranian media reported on Saturday. One of the Islamic Republic's best known figures, Rafsanjani has been marginalized since 2009 for his tacit support of reformist candidates who alleged that the re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that year was rigged. Iranian television showed Rafsanjani, 78, seated in the crowded presidential registration office, smiling and waving. He earlier served as president from 1989 to 1997. ...http://news.yahoo.com/former-iranian-president-rafsanjani-enters-presidency-ring-again-134507879.htmlSat, 11 May 2013 09:45:07 -0400Reutersformer-iranian-president-rafsanjani-enters-presidency-ring-again-134507879Iran nuclear negotiator Jalili enters presidential contest: IRNADUBAI (Reuters) - Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, Saeed Jalili, has registered to run for president in the Islamic Republic's June 14 election, the state news agency IRNA said on Saturday. Jalili, a veteran of the 1980s Iran-Iraq war, has since 2007 headed Iran's Supreme National Security Council and is regarded as a hardline conservative close to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Jalili's candidacy must still be approved by the conservative body of clerics and jurists known as the Guardian Council, which is expected to issue a final list of approved candidates in 10 days' time. ...http://news.yahoo.com/iran-nuclear-negotiator-jalili-enters-presidential-contest-irna-120657085.htmlSat, 11 May 2013 08:06:57 -0400Reutersiran-nuclear-negotiator-jalili-enters-presidential-contest-irna-120657085House passes tactical Republican debt bill<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/house-set-pass-tactical-republican-debt-bill-050736930.html"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/QH6uLVYMC5b5EBinIoMjOA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9ODU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-05-09T162438Z_3_CBRE9480E8W00_RTROPTP_2_USA-DEBT.JPG" width="130" height="86" alt="U.S. House Speaker John Boehner speaks to the press about U.S. debt reduction talks on Capitol Hill" align="left" title="U.S. House Speaker John Boehner speaks to the press about U.S. debt reduction talks on Capitol Hill" border="0" /></a>By Rachelle Younglai WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republicans in the House of Representatives passed a bill on Thursday that would require the Obama administration to prioritize government debt payments and retirement benefits if Congress fails to reach a deal to raise the U.S. debt ceiling. The legislation is not expected to go anywhere in the Democratic-controlled Senate and the White House has said it will veto the bill, but what is essentially a tactical maneuver will allow the Republicans, who control the House, to argue they have done their best to avoid a potential U.S. credit default. ...</p><br clear="all"/>
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