Politics

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In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, U.N. Arab League deputy to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, speaks during a press conference in Damascus, Syria, Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012. (AP Photo/SANA)

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Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, a Republican, leads one of only three states where legislative control is split between parties. Taxes and education this session will take a back seat to less-important issues so something can pass the legislature. (Associated Press)

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Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa is among a number of prominent Republicans calling for a sweeping review of how to prevent tragedies such as the Newtown, Conn., massacre of women and children at a school. He is open to a re-evaluation of the nation’s gun policies. “You’ve got to take all these things into consideration.” (Associated Press)

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“Put guns on the table. Also, put video games on the table. Put mental health on the table,” Rep. Jack Kingston, Georgia Republican, said last week. Some Republicans who previously championed gun rights now are opening the door to more restrictions. (Associated Press)

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Russian police officers detain a demonstrator protesting against a bill banning U.S. adoptions of Russian children outside the Russian parliament’s upper chamber in Moscow on Wednesday. The chamber unanimously voted in favor of the measure. (Associated Press)

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** FILE ** In this Nov. 3, 2010 photo, a supporter congratulates then-Lt. governor-elect Brian Schatz, center, as his wife Linda looks on at the Neil Abercrombie-Brian Schatz Hawaii governor's post election party in Honolulu. Schatz was appointed by Gov. Abercrombie Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012 to succeed the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye. (Associated Press)

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**FILE** Former President George H.W. Bush and his wife, former first lady Barbara Bush, arrive June 12, 2012, for the premiere of HBO's new documentary on his life near the family compound in Kennebunkport, Maine. (Associated Press)

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Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi signs into law the country's new Islamist-backed constitution late on Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Egyptian Presidency)

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Maj. Gen. Abdul-Aziz Jassem al-Shallal, who headed Syria's military police, announces on Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012, that he is joining "the people's revolution." The general the one of the highest-ranking officials to have defected from President Bashar Assad's regime. (AP Photo/Al Arabiya via AP video)