 Globe and Mail | Obama widens lead over GOP rivals in California San Francisco Chronicle President Obama, savoring a political victory in Washington on Tuesday, is on the rise in California. With the race for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination in increasing disarray, Democratic President Obama has significantly strengthened his ... Budget watchdog: Most Republicans would increase debt What You Missed While Not Watching The Last GOP Debate Before Super Tuesday FACT CHECK: Errant claims on auto bailout, taxes |
 The Guardian | More than 50 killed in wave of bombings across Iraq Washington Post BAGHDAD — A wave of bombings across Iraq killed dozens of people Thursday morning, security officials said, in a grim indication of the strength of the insurgency two months after the US military completed its withdrawal. The majority of attacks, ... Rapid attacks across Iraq kill 50 people Attacks Kill At Least 50, Wound 200 in Iraq Attacks across Baghdad kill 50 |
 The Guardian | Syria regime tanks reportedly enter Homs CBS News In this Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012 citizen journalism image provided by the Local Coordination Committees in Syria and accessed on Feb. 23, 2012, flames rise from a house from Syrian government shelling, at Baba Amr neighborhood in Homs province, Syria. Syrian tanks attack in Homs, world outrage grows Republicans voice support for arming Syria rebels Shelling Resumes in Homs Despite Calls for Ceasefire |
 The Guardian | Cameron Hosts Talks in Bid for Somalia Security, Piracy Curb BusinessWeek By Thomas Penny Feb. 23 (Bloomberg) -- Representatives of more than 40 countries and international organizations are meeting in London today to discuss how to restore stability to Somalia. The conference, hosted by Prime Minister David Cameron and ... Somalia's future is discussed at London conference 'If we sit back, we will pay a price': David Cameron issues warning on Somalia Somali Militia Reels After Offensive |
 msnbc.com | Tens of Thousands Attend Pro-Putin Rally in Moscow ABC News Tens of thousands of people marched along the Moscow River and then packed a soccer stadium on Thursday for a campaign rally in support of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. Many of them appeared to be state employees who attended at the behest of ... Vladimir Putin rallies his voters at Moscow stadium Vladimir Putin vows victory in election Russians rally for Vladimir Putin -- and 2 days off work |
 New York Times | Taliban Urges Attacks on Foreign Military Bases After Quran Burnings Voice of America February 23, 2012 Taliban Urges Attacks on Foreign Military Bases After Quran Burnings VOA News The Taliban has called on Afghans to attack foreign military bases in retaliation for the burning of Qurans at a NATO base, while protests continued for a ... Man in Afghan Uniform Kills 2 NATO Troops Anti-American Koran demos across Afghanistan US embassy in Afghanistan on lockdown as anti-American protests continue over ... |
 USA TODAY | Surviving House bill forcing invasive pre-abortion exams, 'personhood' bill ... Washington Post RICHMOND, Va. — A day after Virginia Republican legislators dropped a bitterly contested requirement that women seeking abortions undergo invasive ultrasound imaging, a carbon copy bill awaits an uncertain fate before an early morning Senate committee. Virginia House passes scaled-back ultrasound bill Speak Out: Watered-Down Ultrasound Bill Passes House Va. Gov. McDonnell calls for amendments to ultrasound bill |
 TIME | Lent and the Science of Self-Denial TIME By Jeffrey Kluger | @jeffreykluger | February 23, 2012 | + Marked with a cross of black ash on the forehead, Catholics pray during an Ash Wednesday Mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle on Feb. 22 in Washington. Kluger's latest book is The ... Ashes-to-ashes: Lent starts today Ash Wednesday ushers in Lent Lenten Invite: Follow the Pope on Twitter |
 USA TODAY | Former U.Va. lacrosse player faces 26 years The Associated Press CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — In a trial that revealed the lives of elite athletes at a top-notch school, a former University of Virginia lacrosse player faces 26 years in prison for the beating death of his former girlfriend amid a swirl of betrayal, ... George Huguely convicted of second-degree murder A jury recommended Huguely be sentenced to 26 years in prison Jury: 26 Years Total for Former U.Va. Athlete |
 Chicago Tribune | Lesbian federal worker wins health benefits case CBS News (AP) SAN FRANCISCO — The government cannot deny health benefits to the wife of a lesbian court employee by relying on the 1996 law that bars government recognition of same-sex unions, a federal judge has ruled. In Wednesday's ruling, US District Judge ... Defense of Marriage Act ruled unconstitutional by judge Federal judge rules government cannot deny health benefits to same-sex spouses DOMA ruled unconstitutional by 2nd federal judge |