Maurice Clemmons, man wanted for questioning, has troubling criminal history  —  Maurice Clemmons, the 37-year-old Tacoma man being sought for questioning in the killing this morning of four Lakewood police officers, has a long criminal record punctuated by violence, erratic behavior and concerns about his mental health.

Obama's Speech on Afghanistan to Envision Exit  —  WASHINGTON — President Obama plans to lay out a timeframe for ultimately winding down the American involvement in the war in Afghanistan when he announces his decision this week to send more forces, senior administration officials said Sunday.

Senate Debate on Health Bill Set to Begin Monday  —  WASHINGTON — The Senate is set to begin debate on its health-overhaul bill Monday, with Democrats and Republicans planning to offer amendments on divisive subjects such as abortion and taxes that could hamper passage of the bill.

A Theocon On “Going Rogue”  —  Here's an interesting and intellectually honest book review from a Sarah Palin fan, writing in the theocon journal.  First Things: … Indeed we are.  But this is a more salient question for Adam Bellow at Harper Collins, the person who allegedly edited this book:

Statement from Tiger Woods  —  As you all know, I had a single-car accident earlier this week, and sustained some injuries.  I have some cuts, bruising and right now I'm pretty sore.  —  This situation is my fault, and it's obviously embarrassing to my family and me.  I'm human and I'm not perfect.

The Jobs Imperative  —  If you're looking for a job right now, your prospects are terrible.  There are six times as many Americans seeking work as there are job openings, and the average duration of unemployment — the time the average job-seeker has spent looking for work — is more than six months, the highest level since the 1930s.

In Elections, Honduras Defeats Chávez  —  The tiny country beats back the colonial aspirations of its neighbors.  —  Printer  —  Friendly  —  Unless something monumental happens in the Western Hemisphere in the next 31 days, the big regional story for 2009 will be how tiny Honduras managed …

Why Do You Believe What You Do?  —  Do our beliefs form the basis of our partisan and ideological affiliations?  Or is it vice versa?  —  There's been a lot of recent evidence not only that Republicans disproportionately disbelieve the evidence for man-made global warming but that their skepticism is growing.

Americans Still Leaning Against Healthcare Legislation  —  Majority disapprove of Obama's handling of the issue  —  PRINCETON, NJ — Americans currently tilt against Congress' passing healthcare legislation, with 49% saying they would advise their member to vote against a bill …

Crisis Puts Focus on Dubai's Complex Relationship With Abu Dhabi  —  DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — It was the most subtle of gestures, but looking back, many in Dubai now see it as a sign of their salvation.  —  At the grand opening of the Dubai Air Show this month, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi …

Break chains of mortgage morality, lawyer says  —  (11-29) 04:00 PST WASHINGTON —  Go ahead.  Break the chains.  Stop paying on your mortgage if you owe more than the house is worth.  And most important: Don't feel guilty about it.  Don't think you're doing something morally wrong.

Swiss Ban Building of Minarets on Mosques  —  GENEVA — In a vote that displayed a widespread anxiety about Islam and undermined the country's reputation for religious tolerance, the Swiss on Sunday overwhelmingly imposed a national ban on the construction of minarets, the prayer towers of mosques …

Harvard ignored warnings about investments  —  Advisers told Summers, others not to put so much cash in market; losses hit $1.8b  —  It happened at least once a year, every year.  In a roomful of a dozen Harvard University financial officials, Jack Meyer, the hugely successful head of Harvard's endowment …

Today's GOP is both united and divided  —  Opposition to Obama is strong, but Republicans are split on GOP's direction and leaders  —  The Republican rank and file is largely in sync with GOP lawmakers in their staunch opposition to efforts by President Obama and Democrats …

Ahmadinejad vows dramatic expansion of Iran's nuclear program  —  10 uranium-enrichment sites announced after international rebuke  —  TEHRAN — Iran's government will build 10 new sites to enrich uranium, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Sunday, a dramatic expansion of the country's nuclear program …