Tag Archive | "washington post"

Letters to President Obama to Be Published in Book


President Obama announced last Tuesday that there is a book being created about the ten letters sent to him every day by his fellow Americans.

Obama has been accepting several letters in his office each day from the thousands that were sorted out by the White House Correspondence Office. Those letters come from regular Americans who want to share their feelings and insights about the country’s recent status, including social and personal issues.

According to Aides, the President reads the letters to keep in touch with everyday people outside of politics. He calls his life in the White House as the “bubble life” since it is rather isolated to the outside world. Through those letters, America’s plea and problems are bridged to the President.

During a press conference held on Tuesday, Obama was asked if he feels the pain that other people have experienced when the economic crisis hit United States and programs on social services were cutback.

Obama informed through a news conference aired around the world that a book is being written about the ten letters he receives every day. He said the people that will work on the book came by to discuss it with him a day ago.

Obama said that he is inspired by the resilience and strength of the American people. However, he is also sometimes frustrated that many people are struggling, and that he wants to help them individually.

According to the White House spokesman, a Washington Post reporter named Eli Saslow will be the responsible for creating the book.

Posted in Entertainment, Featured NewsComments (0)

Afghan Government Impose Taxes on US Contractors


The Afghan government has forced taxes on U.S. contractors appointed in the country, threatening new conflicts with the United States, the Washington Post reported.

The newspaper stressed, while citing unnamed Afghan and US officials, that taxation of US government assistance is banned by US law, as well as by a number of bilateral agreements between Afghanistan and United States.

However, the report said contractors have lately received tax bills for work done under the US government programs.

Reconstruction is a key component in an anti-rebellion effort led by the United States, which aims to even out the volatile south and east of Afghanistan as part of helping Afghan farmers and improving local government.

US Vice President Joe Biden pointed out on his second day surprise visit tn the war-torn nation last week that his country’s troops could remain after 2014 if Afghans want them to.

Around 97,000 troops from the United States are serving in Afghanistan as part of an international force of some 140,000.

The contractors have made an appeal to the Defense and State Departments to clarify the matter and according to the Washington Post, they have been told to ignore the bills and stand up for their rights.

However, the paper reported that Afghan government has already began sending overdue tax bills and has threatened some US companies with possible arrest, loss of licenses and confiscation of aid goods.

Afghan Finance Minister Omar Zakhilwal informed The Post through a text message that whatever is not exempted by law and treaties will not be exempted and that Afghanistan is serious against tax evasion.

Posted in FinanceComments (0)