Topic: Geoff Morrell

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House sends a muddled message on Libya: no support, but funding untouched

In a confusing pair of votes, US House said Friday it won't stop paying for the US intervention in Libya, but it won’t vote to support it, either.
Pentagon Papers vs. WikiLeaks: Is Bradley Manning the new Ellsberg?

Daniel Ellsberg, who leaked the Pentagon Papers to The New York Times, used the occasion of the papers' declassification on Monday to defend Pfc. Bradley Manning, accused in the WikiLeaks case.
Unseen foe for troops: sexual assault in US military

Sexual assault poses 'intolerable' threat to US military troops, amid poor record of reporting and prosecution, a broad survey finds. Lawmakers seek better resources for victims.
With Obama's speech, momentum gathering to cut defense spending

Like Medicare and Social Security, cutting defense spending has been something of a 'do not enter' zone for many lawmakers. But that may be changing.
Yemen's neighbors step up role in pushing for Saleh's exit

The Gulf Cooperation Council is joining negotiations to end Yemen's political stalemate. Its role – especially that of Saudi Arabia, Yemen's largest donor – could prove far more influential than that of the West.
In a government shutdown, who will pay US military?

US military operations from Afghanistan to Japan will continue even if there is a government shutdown, Pentagon officials say. What they don't know is whether troops will get paychecks.
What are pros and cons of a no-fly zone over Libya?

As some Congressional leaders urges military intervention in Libya, the Pentagon emphasizes the difficulty of implementing a no-fly zone or other proposed military solutions.
Why is Robert Gates making a surprise visit to Afghanistan?

US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates arrived Monday in Afghanistan. The visit is expected to shape decisions about the gradual US troop drawdown slated to begin this summer.
Does shooting at Frankfurt Airport follow pattern of simpler attacks?

For months now, radical leaders have been urging followers to opt for simple shootings over complex attacks. The shooting Wednesday took place outside a busy terminal at Frankfurt Airport.
House votes to scrap F-35 engine: why Gates can't crow too loudly

The House voted Wednesday to stop funding for an alternative engine for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter – a program Defense Secretary Robert Gates called 'unnecessary.' But his arm-twisting of Congress is far from finished.
Women serving in combat: US panel to recommend ban be lifted.

A US commission is expected to say that women should be allowed to fight on the front lines. The reality is that women are already serving in combat, says Army's Vice Chief of Staff.
'Don't ask, don't tell': Repeal signed, sealed, but when will it be delivered?

At signing, Obama says repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell' will 'strengthen our national security.' But the lack of a clear timetable for implementation is already frustrating some gay rights advocates.
Robert Gates in Afghanistan to view progress, meet troops

Robert Gates' trip is touted as a holiday visit to thank close to 100,000 U.S. troops serving in the war.
WikiLeaks defends its release of classified documents on Iraq War

WikiLeaks released nearly 400,000 classified reports detailing more than 100,000 deaths in the Iraq War, some 60 percent of which were of civilians. WikiLeaks also intends to release thousands more documents on the war in Afghanistan.
How long can US troops withstand rupture of Pakistan supply lines?

Latest attack in Pakistan Wednesday burns at least two dozen fuel tankers bound for US military bases in Afghanistan. Pentagon is warily watching its vital supply lines.
Kandahar blasts kill nine people

Kandahar blasts Tuesday night killed nine people, including five children, as insurgents fight intensified NATO-led operations in the south of Pakistan.
Blockbuster US arms sale to Saudi Arabia: Will it deter Iran?

The Pentagon says the largest sale ever of US arms, worth more than $60 billion, is aimed at bolstering Saudi Arabia on a number of fronts, Yemen included. While the threat from Iran appears to be the main motivation for the sale, its deterrent effect won't be known for some time.
Pentagon looks to save billions with smarter spending

Pentagon officials estimate they can save $100 billion over the next five years by reining in skyrocketing contract costs.
Russian defense minister's Washington trip brings old foes together

Russian Defense Minister Anatoyl Serdyukov comes to the Pentagon for the first time this week to meet with Defense Secretary Robert Gates, a former intelligence officer once skilled in the art of Kremlinology.
Terrorism & Security
US soldiers charged with murdering civilians in Afghanistan war

Charges against the 12 soldiers also include drug use and conspiring to cover up the alleged Afghanistan war crimes.
WikiLeaks: Facing 90,000 documents, US officials take go-slow approach

WikiLeaks documents didn’t undermine Congress's plan to pass a war-funding bill. And the Pentagon is rejecting calls for changes in how the military shares information with uniformed members.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates agrees to proposal to repeal 'don't ask, don't tell'

The White House will support the repeal of the 'don't ask, don't tell' law.
Sec. Gates moves deliberately on 'don't ask, don't tell'

In a letter to Congress, Gates and Joint Chiefs chairman Adm. Mike Mullen say they're sticking to their plan for review. This angers activists and lawmakers pushing for early repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell'.
Gulf of Mexico oil spill: Once again, US military gets the call

Over the years, the Pentagon has played an increasing role in disaster assistance, and the Gulf of Mexico oil spill is no exception. Is it too much when the US military is fighting two wars?
Iran war games begin with new 'ultra fast' speed boats

Iran's war games in the Persian Gulf began earlier than usual this year with a display of new attack speed boats and rhetoric.