Dylan, Albright to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Musical legend Bob Dylan, novelist Toni Morrison and former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright are among 13 people who will be awarded the country's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, by President Barack Obama next week, the White House said. The presentations will be made at the White House on May 29. Also chosen to receive the award were former senator and astronaut John Glenn, retired U.S. ...

Powell not ready to endorse Obama for re-election

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell declined Tuesday to renew the presidential endorsement he gave Barack Obama four years ago, saying he wasn't ready "to throw my weight behind someone" at this time.

Top U.S. Middle East diplomat to retire next week

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Jeffrey Feltman, the top U.S. diplomat for the Middle East, will retire next week, the State Department confirmed on Tuesday but did not address reports he is expected to take up a senior U.N. position. Sources told Reuters on Monday that Feltman, the assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs, was expected to replace Lynn Pascoe, another career U.S. diplomat, as U.N. under-secretary-general for political affairs. In that position, Feltman would help to formulate U.N. policy in negotiations on the Middle East peace process and other conflicts and to oversee U. ...

Powell not ready to endorse Obama for re-election

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell declined Tuesday to renew the presidential endorsement he gave Barack Obama four years ago, saying he wasn't ready "to throw my weight behind someone" at this time.