In its budget projections, the Obama administration is assuming that unemployment will remain stubbornly high above 9 percent well into next year.

VOA: standard.2010.02.07

President Obama banned the use of these techniques shortly after assuming office in January.

VOA: standard.2009.04.20

In his first Washington address since assuming NATO leadership last month, Secretary-General Rasmussen said he understands America's desire to see its NATO allies commit more troops and resources to Afghanistan.

VOA: standard.2009.09.29

Foreign Minister Zebari insisted that he doesn't think that the recent surge of violence will disrupt the timetable for U.S.troops to withdraw from major Iraqi cities in June, or for assuming security responsibilities across the country.

VOA: standard.2009.04.25

State Department Spokesman Ian Kelly said Mitchell,on his fourth trip to the region since assuming the envoy post in January, will stop in Beirut Thursday and Damascus Friday and Saturday after Jerusalem-based meetings with Israeli and Palestinian officials.

VOA: standard.2009.06.09