Topic: Robert Gates

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North Korea abandons armistice: 4 key questions answered

Tensions on the Korean peninsula are ratcheting up. The US has started its annual war games with South Korean forces, and North Korea has used that fact to declare that it is invalidating the armistice agreement that ended the Korean War in 1953. What really has North Korea upset, though, is the tough, new sanctions passed by the United Nations in response to the North's nuclear test last month.Here are the top four questions analysts are wrestling with on the heels of these developments.
Pentagon budget: top 3 winners and losers

In Pentagon parlance, the word “cut” is a relative term. The Defense Department’s base budget decreases from $553 billion this year to $525 billion in 2013, but it rebounds steadily to $567 billion in 2017. With this in mind, here are the top three winners and losers:
Five ways 9/11 has transformed the US military
Who will carry out Obama's Afghanistan exit plan? Three new guys.
In Pictures: Leon Panetta's career

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Military sees window to adjust Afghanistan plan

Reviews under way, to be ready for the next president, are intended to accelerate a new strategy.
Russia-West crisis enters 'breathing period'

Contradictory messages are rampant as the EU and US reconsider security pledges to Georgia while new players such as Iran and Turkey enter the game.
Heroic act, medal denied – and a debate

Defense Secretary Robert Gates questioned a fallen marine's award for covering a grenade to save his comrades.
USA
Afghan civilian death toll undermines U.S. support

Afghan civilian deaths rise 39 percent. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates pledges to do more to solve problem.
Odierno takes charge in a 'fragile' Iraq

Gen. David Petraeus, who handed over command on Tuesday to Gen. Raymond Odierno, will lead US Central Command.
World
Troubled Air Force tanker program halted

Defense Secretary Robert Gates calls the aircraft procurement effort too flawed to continue.
Pakistan: Uproar grows over first ground assault by US troops

Pakistani military officials fear American intervention in the tribal areas could spark a rebellion, derailing counterterrorism operations.
This round, Pentagon may keep General Petraeus offstage

As his next report on troop levels nears, senior officers aren't sure they'll agree.
U.S. marines shifted from Iraq to Afghanistan

The redeployment of only 1,500 troops raises concerns that Taliban offensives in Afghanistan are over-extending US forces.
After Georgia, what future for NATO?

Russia's message – 'We're back and we're strong' – creates a new geopolitical dynamic in Eurasia for the Western alliance.
Opinion: The critical pick: secretary of State

The next secretary faces huge challenges. McCain and Obama must choose carefully.
Sunday morning show roundup
Air Force leadership works to regain trust

The new Chief of Staff must overcome a recent pattern of service mismanagement.
Stronger U.S. role likely in Afghanistan

The Pentagon wants more control over NATO there in light of Taliban resurgence.
U.S. Marines ordered to remain in Afghanistan

The US and NATO struggle to maintain troops even as the Taliban reclaim southern and eastern Afghan provinces.
Battle over Confederate flag hits highways

Huge displays along interstates raise old debates over the history of war and slavery.
Opinion: How the best and the brightest plan to fight terrorism

A peek at how the next generation will tackle the ‘Long War’.
Military revisits Afghanistan plan

A key component is likely to be more troops, but the strategy must go beyond that, experts say.
USA
USA
Top task for Air Force: rebuild credibility

New leaders must better secure nuclear weapons after snafus led to firing of their predecessors.
Top task for Air Force: rebuild credibility

New leaders must better secure nuclear weapons after snafus led to firing of their predecessors.
Afghanistan death toll pressures U.S., allies

Record U.S. fatalities there last month highlight the need for more troops, but reserves are few.