Barack Obama

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After a seven-week pause, Congress returns Tuesday to a crowded agenda of unfinished business overshadowed by the urgent need for President Barack Obama and lawmakers to avert the economic double hit of tax increases and automatic spending cuts, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

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Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said Monday the Obama administration is close to a decision on how many American troops will stay in Afghanistan after the U.S.-led combat mission ends in 2014, noting the decision could come in the “next few weeks.” (Associated Press)

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2008: As a presidential candidate, Barack Obama flies over Baghdad with the U.S. commander. Iraq’s government welcomed Mr. Obama with a message of apparent common ground on American troop withdrawal. (Associated Press)

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President Barack Obama holds up a pen as he speaks about the economy and the deficit, Friday, Nov. 9, 2012, in the East Room of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

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In this still image from a BarackObama.com campaign video, President Obama wipes away tears as he thanks members of his campaign staff and volunteers in Chicago on Nov. 7, 2012, a day after he won re-election. (Associated Press/BarackObama.com)

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** FILE ** President Obama and his family arrive Nov. 7, 2012, in their vehicle to the North Portico of the White House in Washington for the first time after his re-election. (Associated Press/The New York Times)

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President Barack Obama, accompanied by first lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha arrive at the election night party Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, in Chicago. Obama defeated Republican challenger former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

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Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), left, Tim Kaine (D), right, and his wife Anne Holton, center, as they get word that President Barack Obama wins reelection during Kaine's victory speech after winning the Virginia election for U.S. Senate at his election night party at the Richmond Marriott, Richmond, Va., Tuesday, November 6, 2012. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)