Politics

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Syrian President Bashar Assad (right) gives an interview to Chinese state television channel CCTV in Damascus, Syria, on Monday, Sept. 23, 2013. Mr. Assad said his government will allow international experts access to its chemical weapons sites, but he cautioned that rebels might block them from reaching some of the locations. (AP Photo/SANA)

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Syria and Iran are just two of the global issues facing President Obama as he prepares to address the United Nations General Assembly this week. (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

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House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, California Democrat, unleashed a torrent of criticism against Republicans for their stance on Obamacare and the budget. (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

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** FILE ** Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., and the Senate GOP leadership answer questions following a Republican strategy session on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, May 7, 2013. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is at right. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

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"Destroying chemical weapons is extremely challenging," said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Kentucky Republican. A chemical weapons oxidation facility is being constructed in his state. (Associated Press)

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Sen. Mary L. Landrieu, Louisiana Democrat, could be the swing vote in committee that decides the fate of Ron Binz, the president's nominee to be chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. (Associated Press)

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Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, left, and Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan, right, walk the sideline in the third quarter as the Washington Redskins play the Detroit Lions in NFL football at FedExField, Landover, Md., Monday, September 9, 2013. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, left, talks with Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) on the sideline after Griffin threw an interception in the second quarter as the Washington Redskins play the Detroit Lions in NFL football at FedExField, Landover, Md., Monday, September 9, 2013. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) talks with Washington Redskins quarterback Rex Grossman (8) after throwing an interception in the second quarter as the Washington Redskins play the Detroit Lions in NFL football at FedExField, Landover, Md., Monday, September 9, 2013. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)