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Thursday's global agenda: US prepares for post-Chavez era
Your morning global affairs speed-read
With Venezuela's Hugo Chavez missing his inauguration today because he's battling cancer, the Obama administration has been discreetly reaching out to his likely replacement, The Washington Post reports. Vice President Nicolas Maduro, however, has publicly said the talks were authorized by Chavez and not meant to signal a change of policy should he die.
Baby please don't go: Afghanistan's leader Hamid Karzai meets today with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta ahead of tomorrow's meeting with President Obama at the White House. The talks come as Afghan leaders are balking at U.S. advice to reduce their fledgling army's ambitions and warning of renewed civil war if the U.S. withdraws all its troops.
Vanishing freedoms: The Wall Street Journal and the Heritage Foundation released their 2013 index of Economic Freedom today, and the conclusions aren't pretty.
In other news:
Iran is stalling on a date to resume nuclear talks, U.S. officials say. [Al-Monitor]
America's energy boom could reshape the country's foreign policy. [The Wall Street Journal]
Lobbying and regulations:
The State Department is seeking public comment on its Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
The Camstoll Group is working for Outlook Energy Investments (wholly owned by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi) regarding “Issues pertaining to illicit financial activity and developing and implementing strategies to combat illicit financial activity.”
Global Affairs news you might have missed:
Leahy says he’ll have stronger hand over US foreign aid
France's wine lobby bristles at California 'Champagne' for Obama's inauguration
US to meet with Russia over Syria
State keeps PLO's office in DC open
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