Topic: Mike Mullen

Robert Gates: Defense Secretary's exit interview

Robert Gates will retire this month as the US Defense Secretary. In his 45-year career, he's served under eight presidents. In a Newsweek interview, Gates discusses Hilary Clinton, Osama bin Laden's death, and emerging US isolationism.

Libya's chess game

Has everyone glommed onto stalemate to describe the fight against Qaddafi because quagmire is already taken?

Pakistan says alleged Taliban ties are US 'negative propaganda'

Admiral Mike Mullen said Pakistan's intelligence agency has ties to a Taliban faction, sparking a new row in the troubled US-Pakistan relationship.

'Don't ask, don't tell': Can military handle a repeal of gay ban?

Repealing 'don't ask, don't tell' could have serious implications for some parts of the military. But critics of the law say the Pentagon is ready to embrace gays openly.

WikiLeaks helps Obama, Arabs jointly confront Iran nuclear program

The WikiLeaks release of secret American diplomatic dispatches has a silver lining. It revealed the real Arab stance on Iran and its nuclear program – and it lines up with Israel's. The truth can't hurt in that cause.

Ahmadinejad warns against foreign interference in Iran's affairs

In a speech in Azerbaijan, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that foreign complaints about a woman sentenced to death for adultery and over Iran's nuclear program could jeopardize talks scheduled for next month.

In Melbourne, Mullen keeps US sights on China, Iran

In Melbourne to meet with his Australian counterparts, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mike Mullen stressed US interest in assessing China's growing military capabilities.

Pentagon to federal court: Give us time to end 'don't ask, don't tell'

Its lawyers warned that the military could be 'irreparably' harmed by a court order to stop enforcing the ban on openly gay troops. Still, around Pentagon halls, it's clear an end to 'don't ask, don't tell' is coming.

WikiLeaks fallout: US, UK, India criticize Pakistan as terror haven

WikiLeaks has unleashed a barrage of criticism against Pakistan's spy agency, with the United States and Britain now joining India in calling for Islamabad to break all ties with the Taliban and terrorist groups. Pakistan continues to dismiss WikiLeaks.

Rolling Stone fiasco: Gen. Stanley McChrystal summoned to White House

Rolling Stone article gets Gen. Stanley McChrystal into hot water with President Obama.

Saudi air strike kills Yemen rebels as US drawn into fight

Yemen's Houthi rebels claim a Saudi Arabia air strike on Sunday killed 54 people, including women and children. The US is increasingly concerned restive Yemen is becoming a haven for terrorism.

Nidal Malik Hasan case: Are Army psychiatrists overwhelmed?

The shootings at Fort Hood Thursday point to a military mental-health system stretched to the breaking point. The suspect is an Army psychiatrist, Nidal Malik Hasan.

Obama faces critical decision on how to proceed in Afghanistan

There’s debate within his own administration over sending more troops to Afghanistan at a time when casualties mount and many Americans grow weary of the war.

How's the US doing in Afghanistan? Congress members say Obama benchmarks too vague.

Lawmakers are pressing the Obama administration on whether the benchmarks it laid out Wednesday to measure progress in Afghanistan will require more troops.

Why Osama bin Laden goes easy on Obama in latest tape

With President Obama in the White House, Osama bin Laden is focusing his rhetorical attacks on the people around him.

Closer to an Israeli strike on Iran's nukes?

US Vice President Joe Biden refused to condemn or rule out such an attack, and Israel has secured Saudi support, a report suggests.

A rescue plan for Pakistan

Without bold, urgent action, the country – and its nuclear weapons – could fall to the Taliban.

Obama calls Middle Eastern leaders and engages on Gaza

Stop pampering Pakistan's military

The Mumbai attacks underscore the importance of rooting out institutional support for terror.

Karzai's bid for negotiations with Taliban roundly rejected

Afghan president says those who disagree with his offer of safety for the Taliban to attend talks can unseat him or leave the country.

U.S. trains sights on Taliban, Al Qaeda stronghold

It plans to send more troops to Afghanistan and ramp up attacks in Pakistan.

Chávez sees U.S.-Colombian war plans

But critics say Venezuela's president is trying to distract from economic problems at home.