Topic: Iraq

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10 best books of May, according to Amazon

Amazon's editors picked these 10 books as the best for the month.
Briefing
Top 3 reasons why Al Qaeda is more dangerous than ever

On the one-year anniversary of Osama bin Laden’s death, defense analysts say that there are plenty of reasons to think that a resurgence of the perniciously resourceful Al Qaeda is not out of the question.
Who are the Taliban and what do they want? 5 key points

While Pakistani and Afghan insurgents often get labeled as the 'Taliban,' in reality there are several groups that often act independently and have distinct command structures, ideologies, and strategies.
Six reasons to keep America as No. 1 superpower

Many around the world say American decline would preserve global stability through a better balance of power. They’re wrong, says Steve Yetiv, a political science professor at Old Dominion University. It’s not that other countries or international institutions can’t play vital roles. They do. But they can't yet do what Washington does around the world, Yetiv says. Here he gives six examples.
International Women's Day: How it's celebrated around the globe

International Women's Day has served for more than a century as a day to honor the achievements of women globally. Here are some ways people are celebrating:

All Content

U.S. sees long fight to oust Al Qaeda in Mosul

American soldiers say the battle for the northern Iraqi city is a complicated mix of counterterrorism, economic incentives, and political solutions.
Terrorism & Security
Turkey offers reforms for Kurdish minority

Long-simmering tensions with Kurdish militant separatists led to a week-long incursion into northern Iraq in February to target bases.
U.S. commander for Middle East resigns

Adm. William Fallon stepped down after an article in Esquire magazine portrayed his views on Iran as being at odds with those of President Bush.
A test of ethics for Congress

The House won't police itself. That's why it needs an independent panel to investigate claims of wrongdoing.
In Spain's elections, Socialists win with liberal appeal

Prime Minister Zapatero's party is likely to build on the sweeping reforms of the last four years, which have riled conservatives and the Roman Catholic church.
Reporters on the Job
Air Force argues for more money

It says it needs billions of dollars more than the other services to stay competitive globally.
Mass. highway troop banners may lose homemade spirit

Homemade banners are unsafe and should be replaced with metal signs, says the state highway department.
In Spain's elections, Socialists look set to win

Voters overlooked a recent economic downturn and supported the Socialists' sweeping social reforms of the past four years.
Letters to the Editor

Readers write about ecoterrorism, trading nuclear technology for oil, nuclear waste, copyright laws, and 'robocalls.'
Iraq war cost estimates run into the trillions

New book says war will cost at least $3 trillion before it's over.
Of black boxes and sausage machines

A way to talk about what we don't need to know, what we don't want to know, and what we should understand better.
Terrorism & Security
'Merchant of Death' arrested in Thailand

Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout faces extradition to US after being arrested in DEA sting.
World
Why Congress, Bush disagree on waterboarding of terror suspects

The president is likely to veto a bill outlawing such harsh interrogation methods, but the debate goes on.
Congress, Boeing riled by huge defense contract for foreign firm

The Air Force's $35 billion award to a European aircraft company is one of its largest ever.
Iraqi Christians cling to last, waning refuges

Al Qaeda-linked militants and Kurdish ultranationalists are both pressuring Iraq's largest Christian enclave.
Clinton victories in Texas and Ohio give McCain time to craft his message

While the Democrats battle, McCain can see which attacks are effective.
U.S. troops buy own gear for safety, style in battle

Since 9/11, the market for tactical war gear has grown to $150 million annually.
In budget wrangling, cost of doing nothing grows

At stake are competing visions of how to restore fiscal stability and ward off a recession.
15,000 miles in an R.V, all in the name of voter turnout

Jay Sigal left Santa Barbara, Calif., Feb. 19 and will crisscross the country three times before reaching his final destination: Washington, D.C. on Nov. 4, Election Day.
U.S. warship stirs Lebanese fear of war.

The USS Cole has deployed off the coast of Lebanon as that nation's political crisis deepens.
Iran reformers hemmed in ahead of elections

Hard-liners consolidate their hold as March 14 parliamentary polls approach.
A new push to help families of veterans

Recognition is growing in the military that soldiers' injuries put extra hardships on immediate family members.
No more Pentagon budget games

Real security needs, not an arbitrary baseline, should drive the numbers.