Wednesday 8 October 2014

Report of ISIS in Texas called 'false'





  • Homeland Security secretary says ISIS fighters haven't crossed into the U.S.

  • Rep. Duncan Hunter claimed Tuesday that at least 10 had crossed the southern border

  • Secretary Jeh Johnson calls those claims "speculation and rumor"




Washington (CNN) -- Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson blasted Rep. Duncan Hunter's suggestion that ISIS fighters have crossed the United States' southern border into Texas.


"Let's not unduly create fear and anxiety in the public by passing on speculation and rumor," Johnson said Wednesday on CNN's "Situation Room."


Hunter, a California Republican, claimed on Fox News on Tuesday night that he'd learned from Border Patrol officers that at least 10 ISIS fighters had been caught trying to cross the Mexican border -- and that "you know there's going to be dozens more that did not get caught by the Border Patrol."


Johnson said those claims aren't supported by "credible, specific intelligence to that effect." He said public officials should "be responsible in what we decide to share with the American public, so that the public is informed."


His comments came after a Homeland Security spokeswoman called Hunter's statement "categorically false."


"I look at the intelligence reports from overseas, from our southern border, from our intelligence community virtually every day, numerous times a day, to be on the lookout for something of that nature," Johnson said.


U.S. winning fight against ISIS recruiting, official says


"So what I would say to the American public is, we're vigilant in looking out for individuals of suspicion that may be crossing our border, and we have no specific intelligence that ISIL is planning to come into the U.S. through our southern border," he said, using another acronym for ISIS.


Hunter spokesman Joe Kasper said the congressman stands by his comments.


"A high level source informed the congressman -- it was also said that DHS is actively discouraging any talk of IS on the border," Kasper said.


"The congressman was conveying what he knows -- and what he was told," he said. "And as for DHS' statement, it makes sense that the left hand of DHS doesn't know what the right hand is doing -- it's been that way for a long time and we don't expect that to change. No surprise there."


Self-funded and deep-rooted: How ISIS makes its millions



Dem hopeful: Wi-fi is human right






Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley has been laying the groundwork for a potential presidential campaign, headlining 80 fundraisers and 40 campaign events around the country. A two-term governor, his time in office ends in January. The Democrat's resume as governor includes legalizing same-sex marriage, repealing the death penalty and enacting strict gun-control laws. Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley has been laying the groundwork for a potential presidential campaign, headlining 80 fundraisers and 40 campaign events around the country. A two-term governor, his time in office ends in January. The Democrat's resume as governor includes legalizing same-sex marriage, repealing the death penalty and enacting strict gun-control laws.

Vice President Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton faced off in the early 2008 Democratic primaries, and both are weighing 2016 bids. A 2016 run would mark Biden's third bid for president; he also ran in 1988. Before becoming vice president, Biden served as a U.S. senator from Delaware for 36 years. He has already made visits to early primary states this cycle on official White House business. And if Clinton runs, Biden said her decision wouldn't affect his own. Vice President Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton faced off in the early 2008 Democratic primaries, and both are weighing 2016 bids. A 2016 run would mark Biden's third bid for president; he also ran in 1988. Before becoming vice president, Biden served as a U.S. senator from Delaware for 36 years. He has already made visits to early primary states this cycle on official White House business. And if Clinton runs, Biden said her decision wouldn't affect his own.

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont who caucuses with Democrats, has been testing the waters for a 2016 bid. He's hoping to push an agenda that focuses on income inequality, climate change and campaign finance reform. Sanders has already traveled to early primary states such as Iowa and New Hampshire. U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont who caucuses with Democrats, has been testing the waters for a 2016 bid. He's hoping to push an agenda that focuses on income inequality, climate change and campaign finance reform. Sanders has already traveled to early primary states such as Iowa and New Hampshire.

Former Virginia Sen. Jim Webb has said he's "seriously looking" into a 2016 bid for the Democratic nomination. Webb left the U.S. Senate at the end of his first term in January 2013. He's a veteran of the Vietnam War who also served as Navy secretary and assistant defense secretary. Former Virginia Sen. Jim Webb has said he's "seriously looking" into a 2016 bid for the Democratic nomination. Webb left the U.S. Senate at the end of his first term in January 2013. He's a veteran of the Vietnam War who also served as Navy secretary and assistant defense secretary.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts has repeatedly said she's not running for president, but the Democrat -- a favorite among progressives -- has been urged to run by populists in her party. A first-term senator elected in 2012, Warren is known for her attempts to take on Wall Street -- both as a senator and as the creator of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau during President Obama's first term. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts has repeatedly said she's not running for president, but the Democrat -- a favorite among progressives -- has been urged to run by populists in her party. A first-term senator elected in 2012, Warren is known for her attempts to take on Wall Street -- both as a senator and as the creator of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau during President Obama's first term.









  • Martin O'Malley has headlined 80 Democratic fundraisers

  • The Democratic Maryland governor is considering a 2016 presidential bid

  • Despite his travels, he still struggles in 2016 polls




Washington (CNN) -- A Democrat with White House ambitions is furiously criss-crossing the country to help the party's candidates -- and it's not Hillary Clinton.


Martin O'Malley, the two-term governor of Maryland, has headlined more than 80 Democratic fundraisers since last year. He's rallied the party faithful at over 40 campaign events and Jefferson-Jackson Dinners in Democratic strongholds like Massachusetts and in reliably-red states like Mississippi and Kansas.





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All told, he's steered money and staff to 134 Democratic campaigns in more than 25 states, aiding high-profile Senate hopefuls and little-known county commissioner candidates alike.


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O'Malley is outpacing Clinton in his work on behalf of Democratic candidates running for election this year. Though Clinton is her party's biggest star, her operation for the midterms is only now gearing up with less than a month to go before Election Day. Her aides revealed a campaign schedule last week that will take Clinton to a half dozen states this month, including all-important Iowa and New Hampshire, to boost Democrats in tough races.


"I am doing everything in my power to strengthen the party in every state and to elect as many Democrats as I can," O'Malley said in an interview with CNN. "Call me old-fashioned, but it's been my experience that we can only govern effectively when we make our party stronger."


O'Malley might be the hardest-working man in Democratic politics but that's obscured by his low standing in national polls.


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Early surveys about the 2016 presidential race show Clinton with a runaway lead over her potential rivals, both nationally and in places like Iowa, a product of her global fame and an impressive resume written over decades in public life.


Clinton routinely registers in the 60% territory, with favorable ratings that soar even higher. Other potential Democratic presidential contenders, including Vice President Joe Biden and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren follow distantly, barely crack double digits.


Then there's O'Malley, perpetually hovering just above 1%.


Each new poll induces a new round of Twitter snark about O'Malley's low standing, but it could be said that those one-percenters might be the people who matter the most. Academic studies and past campaigns have shown that the opinions of party elites and local activists in key states matter far more than any horse race poll at this stage in the nominating game.


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Clinton's status as the top choice of Democratic money-men and the party establishment means she can enter the race and immediately unlock a treasure chest of guaranteed support.


O'Malley does not have that luxury.


But he also doesn't have to worry about the giant entourage and weighty expectations that follow Clinton wherever she goes. His relative obscurity gives him the freedom to move — and he has embarked on a national tour to build a network from the ground up, befriending rank-and-file Democrats in locales far from the Amtrak corridor.


O'Malley moving political staff into South Carolina





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Some of them already know O'Malley from the 2012 presidential race, when he was one of President Barack Obama's most loyal surrogates. And as chairman of the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) from 2011 to 2013, he traveled extensively, assisting gubernatorial candidates and getting valuable face-time with big-ticket donors in the process.


O'Malley might go unrecognized at the mall, but among people who spend Saturday nights eating rubber chicken at Democratic fundraisers, he's becoming a familiar face.


"There is a level of recognition that I have been surprised to find wherever I go," O'Malley said. "People want to learn more. There is a curiosity about what we've done in Maryland. Some people that recognize me had seen me before during the presidential re-elect, or on MSNBC — a lot of these people watch MSNBC — as an advocate for the president's reelection. And then people have seen me on television squaring off with the RGA chair, whoever that was at the time."


O'Malley defends call with White House on immigrant kids


Clinton's midterm schedule is taking her to familiar 2014 turf — marquee battlegrounds like Kentucky, Iowa and New Hampshire — mostly to help Democrats in the key Senate races that will decide control of Congress. Biden, too, has appeared on the campaign trail and at fundraisers with an eye toward 2016, while Warren drew lively, standing-room-only crowds during a campaign swing to Kentucky and West Virginia this summer.


But O'Malley's itinerary looks like something out of the Democratic National Committee travel office.


He appeared at a Hispanic voter event in Chicago for Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, walked in a gay pride festival in South Carolina with gubernatorial nominee Vincent Sheheen, delivered the headline address at the California Democratic Party in Los Angeles and made nice with key Obama organizers in Des Moines.


He has pumped money into scores of campaigns across the country, including the top tier Senate and governor's contests. Charlie Crist, Bruce Braley, Michelle Nunn, Mary Landrieu, Jason Carter: All have received help from O'Malley personally or from his political action committee, O'Say Can You See PAC, according to a spreadsheet of his fundraising activity obtained by CNN.


O'Malley preparing 'ground work' for potential 2016 run


Then there are the small-time county party committees and obscure candidates further down the ballot. He's come to the aid of a county commissioner candidate in Nebraska, Nevada's rising-star nominee for lieutenant governor and state legislators near and far — though many of them are near Iowa and New Hampshire.


Mayors have received special attention. A former mayor of Baltimore, O'Malley has raised money and campaigned for the mayors in Kentucky, Florida, South Carolina and elsewhere.





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He's also hired and dispatched field staffers to help in a passel of races, most recently sending aides to help the state Democratic Party in Kansas, where the Senate and governor's races are surprisingly competitive. O'Malley has PAC aides working on the ground in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina, giving him an early foothold in the states that raise the curtain on the 2016 presidential nominating process.


"People are grateful for the help," he said.


Warren Buffett will bet you that Hillary Clinton wins in 2016


O'Malley's party-building spadework began last year. He cut early checks to embattled red state Democrats like Mark Begich of Alaska and Mark Pryor of Arkansas.


He campaigned in hot off-year races, including Terry McAuliffe's successful bid to become Virginia's governor. He also helped Cory Booker, a former mayor like O'Malley, in last summer's special Senate election in New Jersey.


And while national Democrats were keeping their distance from Barbara Buono, the underdog challenger to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, O'Malley showed up in Trenton at her side.


"Sometimes the uphill fights are the most important," he said during the New Jersey swing.


Buono took note. "Hillary Clinton wrote me a nice letter — after I lost," she told The New York Times earlier this year.


Bill Clinton plays savior for Arkansas Democrats


O'Malley dodges questions about the 2016 race and is careful to avoid criticism of Clinton, whom he endorsed during her ill-fated 2008 presidential bid even though he had backed the passionately anti-war Howard Dean four years earlier. It's still not clear that he will run if she does.


But the story O'Malley tells about himself as he campaigns for Democrats is often framed around his progressive accomplishments and generational differences in leadership — two flanks where Clinton might be vulnerable in a Democratic primary.


O'Malley, 51, said he sometimes feels closer in spirit to his 20-something daughters than to the baby boom generation.


"I am noticing a generational shift," he said. "While baby boomers were led to believe that sometimes our prosperity comes from separating from other, people under 40 believe that it will come from being closer to others."


Befitting his roots in city politics, O'Malley gushes about the re-birth of American cities, a renaissance he said is driven by young people who "have an awareness of our interdependence" and chafe at hierarchies and top-down leadership. He praises the power of technology to streamline government, slips terms like "innovation cluster" into his commentary, and name-drops the urban theorist Richard Florida.


"Baby boomers and older were often told that if we specialize in terms of our skills, we will be more secure and prosperous, that the definition of 'making it" was living out in the suburbs as far way as possible with the biggest lawn possible," he said. "Young people have flipped that on its head. Younger people are choosing to live in cities. They realize that connections to each other are making us better. That WiFi is a human right. That proximity is important to entrepreneurship, access to capital and talent and diversity. There is an opportunity there for us as a nation to embrace that new perspective."


There are glimmers of a campaign message as he reflects on his 2014 travels. O'Malley is quick to talk up his record in Annapolis, which, coming out of his mouth, sounds custom-built for Democratic primary voters — top-rated schools, in-state college tuition breaks for young illegal immigrants, legalizing same-sex marriage, repealing the death penalty, enacting strict gun control laws.


"People are interested in hearing how we have done and what we have done in Maryland," he said. "When you lay out the accumulation of achievements, it's pretty impressive."


The twin themes he encounters most, he said in the interview, are frustration with Washington and a palpable sense of economic anxiety.


"Every place I have traveled, after every talk, the constant theme that I hear from people coming up afterwards just to shake my hand or do a cell phone picture, the phrase I hear again and again is the phrase 'getting things done,'" O'Malley said.


'"We need leaders who can get things done, or people who can bring us together to get things done. There is a sense that the economy is not working for us. The majority of us are not making any more in real dollar terms that we were making in 1994. That is the primary concern out there. People are less optimistic about being able to give their kids a future with more economic opportunity even now than they were even four years ago," he said.


Even with those notes of pessimism, O'Malley said his visits with Democrats have "made me feel pretty good about where our country is headed and the direction that we will eventually end up going. I have seen that people still believe in the greatness of who we are a county."


"I am sensing a deep, deep hunger to get things done again as a country and as Americans," he said. "People have a greater appetite for the unvarnished truth about the choices and costs and tradeoffs we have to make."



Apple announces Oct. 16 event





  • Apple announces October 16 event

  • New iPads, Macs are expected

  • Apple could release a huge new iPad




(CNN) -- Looks like your iPads and Mac will be getting freshened up in time for the holiday shopping season.


Apple on Wednesday sent invitations to media members for next Thursday under the headline, "It's been way too long."


Last October, Apple unveiled the thinner and lighter iPad Air and a revamped iPad Mini. The company also used the event to roll out its then-latest Mac operating system, OS X Mavericks. It also updated its MacBook Pro and MacBook Air laptops.




Apple on Wednesday invited reporters to an October 16 event where new iPads and Macs are expected to be unveiled.

Apple on Wednesday invited reporters to an October 16 event where new iPads and Macs are expected to be unveiled.



But Apple's desktop Mac line hasn't gotten a thorough update since June 2013. Most Apple analysts expect to see new Macs at the event, which will be held at Apple's Cupertino, Calif., campus.


There's also been talk of a bigger iPad, coming a month after the rollout of bigger iPhones. Some reports have predicted an "iPad Pro" with a massive 12.9-inch screen.



Carter criticizes Obama on ISIS






Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter turns 90 on Wednesday, October 1. From 1977 to 1981, Carter served as the 39th President of the United States. Click through the gallery to look back at moments from his life and career.Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter turns 90 on Wednesday, October 1. From 1977 to 1981, Carter served as the 39th President of the United States. Click through the gallery to look back at moments from his life and career.

Carter, 6, poses with his sister Gloria in their hometown of Plains, Georgia, in 1931.Carter, 6, poses with his sister Gloria in their hometown of Plains, Georgia, in 1931.

Carter graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy on June 5, 1946, after completing the accelerated wartime program.Carter graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy on June 5, 1946, after completing the accelerated wartime program.

Carter shovels peanuts in the 1970s. Carter was the son of a peanut farmer, and he took over the family business in 1953 before his political career took off.Carter shovels peanuts in the 1970s. Carter was the son of a peanut farmer, and he took over the family business in 1953 before his political career took off.

Carter gets a haircut during his first year as governor of Georgia. He was inaugurated on January 12, 1971.Carter gets a haircut during his first year as governor of Georgia. He was inaugurated on January 12, 1971.

After becoming the Democratic Party's presidential nominee in 1976, Carter raises hands with running mate Walter Mondale at the Democratic National Convention in New York. Standing to Carter's right is his wife, Rosalynn, and their daughter, Amy. Carter ran as a Washington outsider and someone who promised to shake up government.After becoming the Democratic Party's presidential nominee in 1976, Carter raises hands with running mate Walter Mondale at the Democratic National Convention in New York. Standing to Carter's right is his wife, Rosalynn, and their daughter, Amy. Carter ran as a Washington outsider and someone who promised to shake up government.

Carter and U.S. President Gerald Ford debate domestic policy at the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia in September 1976. It was the first of three Ford-Carter presidential debates.Carter and U.S. President Gerald Ford debate domestic policy at the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia in September 1976. It was the first of three Ford-Carter presidential debates.

Carter embraces his wife after receiving news of his election victory on November 2, 1976. Carter received 297 electoral votes, while Ford received 241.Carter embraces his wife after receiving news of his election victory on November 2, 1976. Carter received 297 electoral votes, while Ford received 241.

Chief Justice Warren Burger swears Carter into office on January 20, 1977, while Rosalynn Carter looks on.Chief Justice Warren Burger swears Carter into office on January 20, 1977, while Rosalynn Carter looks on.

Carter, second from left, and his brother Billy, left, visit Georgia's St. Simons Island in 1977.Carter, second from left, and his brother Billy, left, visit Georgia's St. Simons Island in 1977.

Carter delivers his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in January 1978. "Government cannot solve our problems," he said. Anti-government sentiment at the time was brought on by economic pessimism along with the end of the Vietnam War and the unraveling of the Watergate saga.Carter delivers his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in January 1978. "Government cannot solve our problems," he said. Anti-government sentiment at the time was brought on by economic pessimism along with the end of the Vietnam War and the unraveling of the Watergate saga.

Three days before his birthday in 1978, Carter blows out candles on a birthday cake presented to him at a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee.Three days before his birthday in 1978, Carter blows out candles on a birthday cake presented to him at a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee.

Carter jogs on the South Lawn of the White House in December 1978.Carter jogs on the South Lawn of the White House in December 1978.

Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, right, listens to Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin on September 6, 1978, at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland. With Carter's help, terms of a peace accord were negotiated at Camp David. A formal treaty was signed in Washington on March 26, 1979, ending 31 years of war between Egypt and Israel. It was one of the highlights of Carter's presidency.Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, right, listens to Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin on September 6, 1978, at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland. With Carter's help, terms of a peace accord were negotiated at Camp David. A formal treaty was signed in Washington on March 26, 1979, ending 31 years of war between Egypt and Israel. It was one of the highlights of Carter's presidency.

A blindfolded American hostage is paraded by his captors at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran, in November 1979. Carter's inability to successfully negotiate the release of the hostages became a major political liability. The hostages were freed on January 20, 1981, the day of Ronald Reagan's inauguration.A blindfolded American hostage is paraded by his captors at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran, in November 1979. Carter's inability to successfully negotiate the release of the hostages became a major political liability. The hostages were freed on January 20, 1981, the day of Ronald Reagan's inauguration.

Outgoing President Carter, left, sits with President-elect Ronald Reagan en route to Reagan's inauguration in January 1981.Outgoing President Carter, left, sits with President-elect Ronald Reagan en route to Reagan's inauguration in January 1981.

Before departing for Georgia following Reagan's inauguration, Carter holds his crying daughter as his wife blows a kiss at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.Before departing for Georgia following Reagan's inauguration, Carter holds his crying daughter as his wife blows a kiss at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.

The Carters wear glittering garlands and a turban given to them by Pakistani tribesmen at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in November 1986. They also received a pair of rams.The Carters wear glittering garlands and a turban given to them by Pakistani tribesmen at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in November 1986. They also received a pair of rams.

Carter addresses a United Nations interfaith service at New York's Trinity Church in September 1991. His speech was entitled "The Present Role of the United Nations in a Changing World."Carter addresses a United Nations interfaith service at New York's Trinity Church in September 1991. His speech was entitled "The Present Role of the United Nations in a Changing World."

From left, former President George H.W. Bush, President Bill Clinton, Carter and Vice President Al Gore attend the Presidents' Summit for America's Future in Philadelphia in 1997. They helped clean up local neighborhoods as part of the effort to encourage volunteer service.From left, former President George H.W. Bush, President Bill Clinton, Carter and Vice President Al Gore attend the Presidents' Summit for America's Future in Philadelphia in 1997. They helped clean up local neighborhoods as part of the effort to encourage volunteer service.

Clinton presented Carter with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, on August 9, 1999. Carter was recognized for his diplomatic achievements and humanitarian efforts.Clinton presented Carter with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, on August 9, 1999. Carter was recognized for his diplomatic achievements and humanitarian efforts.

Carter works at a construction site sponsored by the Jimmy Carter Work Project in Asan, South Korea, on August 6, 2001. The Carters have been involved with the nonprofit Habitat for Humanity since 1984.Carter works at a construction site sponsored by the Jimmy Carter Work Project in Asan, South Korea, on August 6, 2001. The Carters have been involved with the nonprofit Habitat for Humanity since 1984.

Cuban President Fidel Castro calls for time as Carter prepares to throw the first pitch at a baseball game in Havana, Cuba, in May 2002.Cuban President Fidel Castro calls for time as Carter prepares to throw the first pitch at a baseball game in Havana, Cuba, in May 2002.

Students at the University of Havana listen to Carter outline his vision for improved relations between the United States and Cuba on May 14, 2002. The speech was broadcast live and uncensored on Cuban state television.Students at the University of Havana listen to Carter outline his vision for improved relations between the United States and Cuba on May 14, 2002. The speech was broadcast live and uncensored on Cuban state television.

Carter is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway, in December 2002. He was recognized for his many years of public service, and in his acceptance speech he urged others to work for peace.Carter is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway, in December 2002. He was recognized for his many years of public service, and in his acceptance speech he urged others to work for peace.

Carter adjusts his headphones at a news conference in Caracas, Venezuela, in January 2003. He proposed a referendum on Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's presidency and an amendment to the constitution as a way to end the political crisis in the South American nation.Carter adjusts his headphones at a news conference in Caracas, Venezuela, in January 2003. He proposed a referendum on Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's presidency and an amendment to the constitution as a way to end the political crisis in the South American nation.

Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean speaks beside Carter during a campaign stop in Plains, Georgia, in January 2004.Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean speaks beside Carter during a campaign stop in Plains, Georgia, in January 2004.

Rosalynn Carter smashes a bottle of champagne against the sail of the USS Jimmy Carter during the submarine's christening ceremony in Connecticut on June 5, 2004.Rosalynn Carter smashes a bottle of champagne against the sail of the USS Jimmy Carter during the submarine's christening ceremony in Connecticut on June 5, 2004.

The Carters wave to the audience at the Democratic National Convention in Boston in 2004.The Carters wave to the audience at the Democratic National Convention in Boston in 2004.

Carter checks his notes while observing a polling station in Maputo, Mozambique, in December 2004. Since 1989, the Carter Center has been observing elections around the world to determine their legitimacy. The nonprofit organization was founded by Carter and his wife to advance human rights across the globe.Carter checks his notes while observing a polling station in Maputo, Mozambique, in December 2004. Since 1989, the Carter Center has been observing elections around the world to determine their legitimacy. The nonprofit organization was founded by Carter and his wife to advance human rights across the globe.

The Carters arrive for President Barack Obama's inauguration in January 2009.The Carters arrive for President Barack Obama's inauguration in January 2009.

Carter testifies in May 2009 during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on energy independence and security.Carter testifies in May 2009 during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on energy independence and security.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniya speaks in June 2009 during a joint news conference with Carter in Gaza. Carter denounced the deprivations facing Palestinians in Gaza as unique in history, asserting that they are being treated "like animals."Hamas leader Ismail Haniya speaks in June 2009 during a joint news conference with Carter in Gaza. Carter denounced the deprivations facing Palestinians in Gaza as unique in history, asserting that they are being treated "like animals."

Carter walks out of the Hall of Remembrance at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem in August 2009. The Elders, an independent council of retired world figures, kicked off a visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories in a bid to encourage Middle East peace efforts.Carter walks out of the Hall of Remembrance at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem in August 2009. The Elders, an independent council of retired world figures, kicked off a visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories in a bid to encourage Middle East peace efforts.

Carter delivers a speech in Seoul, South Korea, after receiving an honorary doctorate degree from Korea University in March 2010. During a four-day visit to South Korea, Carter urged direct talks with North Korea, saying a failure to negotiate nuclear disarmament might lead to a "catastrophic" war.Carter delivers a speech in Seoul, South Korea, after receiving an honorary doctorate degree from Korea University in March 2010. During a four-day visit to South Korea, Carter urged direct talks with North Korea, saying a failure to negotiate nuclear disarmament might lead to a "catastrophic" war.

Carter greets South African leader Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg in May 2010.Carter greets South African leader Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg in May 2010.

Carter hugs Aijalon Mahli Gomes at Boston's Logan International Airport in August 2010. Carter negotiated Gomes' release after he was held in North Korea for crossing into the country illegally in January 2010.Carter hugs Aijalon Mahli Gomes at Boston's Logan International Airport in August 2010. Carter negotiated Gomes' release after he was held in North Korea for crossing into the country illegally in January 2010.

Carter and other former Presidents, including Clinton and both George Bushes, attend the Points of Light Institute Tribute to Former President George H.W. Bush in March 2011.Carter and other former Presidents, including Clinton and both George Bushes, attend the Points of Light Institute Tribute to Former President George H.W. Bush in March 2011.

Cuban President Raul Castro greets Carter and his wife at the Revolution Palace in Havana on March 30, 2011. Carter was the first former U.S. President to visit Cuba since the 1959 revolution.Cuban President Raul Castro greets Carter and his wife at the Revolution Palace in Havana on March 30, 2011. Carter was the first former U.S. President to visit Cuba since the 1959 revolution.

In April 2011, Carter addresses students at the Pyongyang University of Foreign Studies in Pyongyang, North Korea.In April 2011, Carter addresses students at the Pyongyang University of Foreign Studies in Pyongyang, North Korea.

As part of the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, Carter answers a question during a panel discussion at the University of Illinois in Chicago in April 2012.As part of the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, Carter answers a question during a panel discussion at the University of Illinois in Chicago in April 2012.

From left, President Obama, Carter, first lady Michelle Obama and Clinton wave from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 2013. It was the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, which is best remembered for Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech.From left, President Obama, Carter, first lady Michelle Obama and Clinton wave from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 2013. It was the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, which is best remembered for Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech.

Carter talks with reporters in Chicago at a signing for his book "A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence and Power" in March. In the book, Carter argues that the abuse and subjugation of women and girls is one of the biggest challenges the world faces.Carter talks with reporters in Chicago at a signing for his book "A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence and Power" in March. In the book, Carter argues that the abuse and subjugation of women and girls is one of the biggest challenges the world faces.

Carter teaches Sunday School on Easter Sunday 2014 at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia. Carter teaches Sunday School at the church several times a year. (Have you met Carter? <a href='http://t.co/w6SVq3Ffhs' target='_blank'>Share your story</a>.)Carter teaches Sunday School on Easter Sunday 2014 at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia. Carter teaches Sunday School at the church several times a year. (Have you met Carter? Share your story.)








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  • Jimmy Carter described President Obama's foreign policy as shifty

  • The former president said the U.S. "waited too long" to attack ISIS

  • He recommends putting troops on the ground in Syria




(CNN) -- Former President Jimmy Carter said President Barack Obama "waited too long" to go after ISIS and criticized what he described as the president's changing foreign policy.


"First of all, we waited too long. We let the Islamic State build up its money, capability and strength and weapons while it was still in Syria," Carter told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram in an interview published Tuesday. The 39th president was in Texas working on a Habitat for Humanity project.


"Then when [ISIS] moved into Iraq, the Sunni Muslims didn't object to their being there and about a third of the territory in Iraq was abandoned," he continued.


The United States has so far led a coalition of countries in airstrike campaigns against ISIS targets in Iraq and Syria. But the militant group has continued to operate, and it's expected to soon capture the key Syrian border city of Kobani.





Pentagon: Key city may fall to ISIS




Panetta attacks Obama on ISIS, leadership




Former UK military chief on ISIS fight

Carter also argued it would be strategic to have troops on the ground in Syria to help guide the air campaign. Obama, however, has pledged that the United States would not send troops into the country.


"You have to have somebody on the ground to direct our missiles and to be sure you have the right target," Carter said. "Then you have to have somebody to move in and be willing to fight ISIS after the strikes."


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More broadly, Carter criticized Obama's foreign policy, an approach that he says is lacking in "positive action."


"It changes from time to time," Carter said. "I noticed that two of his secretaries of defense, after they got out of office, were very critical of the lack of positive action on the part of the president."


While it's rare for former presidents to critique the sitting president, Carter has been known to offer candid assessments of Democratic and Republican presidents and their administrations.