"The right wing, even if they were elected to be lawmakers, cannot use the halls of parliament to spread the winds of war, to attack the peace of the republic, against internal order, against the institutions of the country, and even less to stimulate fascist violence that continues casting a pall over Venezuelan homes, " he said.

CNN: Lawmakers report brawl in Venezuelan National Assembly

The question is: Will such a reaffirmation of American solidarity with and support for Israel come in time to prevent the winds of war being whipped up by Mr. Obama's posturing and rhetoric - and driving Israelis into bomb shelters - from wreaking havoc in the Middle East, and perhaps far beyond?

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Obama sows a Mideast whirlwind

The president cast the drone program as crucial in a counterterror effort that will rely less on the widespread deployment of U.S. troops as the war in Afghanistan winds down.

NPR: Obama Sees Narrower Terror Threat, Defends Drones

As the war in Afghanistan winds down, advocates are pushing for changes to prevent the misuse of money spent on efforts to help transform volatile nations into stable countries.

WSJ: U.S. Is Hit on Iraq, Afghan Outlays

Most matches on the outdoor courts were called off by heavy rain and strong winds from Typhoon Higos, one of the strongest storms to threaten Japan's capital since World War II.

BBC: Lleyton Hewitt