Gail Chaddock

Playing the IRS card: Six presidents who used the IRS to bash political foes

csmonitor.com — The Obama administration isn't the first to face criticism of using the Internal Revenue Service as a political hit squad. Since the advent of the federal income tax about a century ago, several presidents - or their zealous underlings - have directed the IRS to turn its formidable police powers on political rivals.

Syria chemical weapons: Pentagon weighs evidence, plans response

csmonitor.com — Pentagon officials say they are still trying to confirm reports that Syria has used chemical weapons against civilians, but that they are preparing a military option for any outcome.

George W. Bush poll numbers up. Does America miss him yet?

csmonitor.com — George W. Bush left office with a 23 percent approval rating, but now, as his presidential library is about to open in Dallas, he's back up to 47 percent. But he's got a way to catch Bill Clinton. Is George W. Bush having a comeback?

Earth Day 2013: What's in danger is Earth Day, not just Earth

csmonitor.com — Earth Day 2013 poll finds Americans far less eco-conscious than they were in 1971, a year after Earth Day was founded. Only 39 percent now say it's 'very important' to restore the environment. By Husna Haq, Correspondent / April 22, 2013 Is Earth Day dead?

Boston Marathon bombing: what the suspects' arsenal reveals

csmonitor.com — The quality and quantity of the Boston bombing suspects' armaments suggest a future attack was planned, but don't answer the question of whether they had outside help. The alleged Boston Marathon bombers had an arsenal of weapons that went beyond the explosive devices used at the marathon - and which could have been intended for use in subsequent terror attacks.

In Pakistan, a rare Christian retaliation against Muslim violence

csmonitor.com — Earlier this month, residents of a Christian neighborhood in Gujranwala did something unprecedented when their settlement was attacked by Muslims: They fought back. By Saba Imtiaz, Correspondent / April 22, 2013 As violence against religious minorities in Pakistan continues to grow unabated, at least one group of Christians has decided it is finally time to fight back.

US, Russia missed chances to intercept Tamerlan Tsarnaev

csmonitor.com — Russia warned the US about the future Boston Marathon bomber back in 2011. But when Mr. Tsarnaev returned to Russia the next year, authorities there apparently left him alone.

Were motives of Boston bombing suspects embedded in Chechen heritage - or not?

csmonitor.com — The suspects in the Boston Marathon bombing were immigrants from a violent region of the Caucasus, but experts say disaffection with the US, rather than radical ideology, is the more likely motive.

Obama goes from scolder in Washington to comforter in Boston

csmonitor.com — In Washington, President Obama is locked in a battle with many voices in Congress over gun control, but at a moment of national tragedy, such as the Boston Marathon bombings, the president stands alone.

Boston Marathon bombings: What could the motives have been?

csmonitor.com — The investigation into the Boston Marathon bombings is just beginning and motives are not known. But the date and location of the attack suggest some possibilities. President Obama's brief statement Monday evening on the deadly bombings that struck near the finish line of the Boston Marathon earlier in the day gave few clues concerning the investigation into the attacks.