The president’s first speech on education may alienate some in teachers unions. He calls for more charters, higher pay for good teachers and quicker firings of bad ones.

Citing cost overruns in defense spending, he orders a review and envisions savings of up to $40 billion a year.

Just sending more troops can’t solve such tough problems as getting militants to lay down arms and allies to send more soldiers, and eliminating extremist havens.

Hours after an interview with the president is broadcast across the Arab world, special envoy George Mitchell begins a tour of the region.