Barack Obama and US political leaders believe the president does not need Congress’ permission to take certain measures to quell the al Qaida-inspired uprising sweeping through Iraq, the Senate’s top Republican and others have said.

US president Barack Obama will make his first comments on the economy and the financial crisis today as the White House makes the issue its top post-election priority.

US president Barack Obama has said he remains confident that a government shutdown can be avoided this weekend if negotiators can build on constructive talks over a public spending impasse.