Latest from US Government

Recession still a reality for the poor, says Obama

US president Barack Obama says he doesn't care that the country's recession has been 'offically' declared over.

Optimism returns overnight to world markets

Shares on Wall St and in Europe rose overnight, after the US Federal Reserve indicated economic growth was still happening, though at a slower rate.

Former Lehman boss comes out fighting at crisis inquiry

The former boss of Lehman Brothers has let loose his bitterness at the US government's failure to save his firm in 2008.

<i>Anne Penketh:</i> President careful not to trumpet mission achieved

President Obama is right to play down the US withdrawal from Iraq.

Muslim cleric reviled for interfaith efforts

For the first time in a long while, the 'Ground Zero mosque' man is avoiding the press.

<i>Editorial:</i> Obama right to turn the page on Iraq

President Barack Obama has brought down the curtain on the seven-year conflict in Iraq.

Tea Party rally caps off bitter week in politics

Last week was an indecently busy political week in the United States, writes the <i>Independent</i>'s Rupert Cornwell.

<i>Paul Thomas</i>: Taking the high ground on drugs and war

It's all very well for <i>Time</i> magazine to wring its hands over the wretched women of Afghanistan, but what about innocent children in Massachusetts?

Take a deep breath - why the world is running out of helium

A US law means supplies of the gas - a vital component in MRI scans - are vanishing fast.