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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Opinion: The path through Pakistan to a shorter war on terror

In the 'epicenter of terrorism,' democracy will benefit from an ease in US military pressure.
Burma (Myanmar) cyclone interim report: Aftermath less dire than predicted

A survey by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the UN, and the Burmese government finds that most of the hardest-hit villages have received some emergency aid. But many people are living hand-to-mouth and have limited access to clean water.
Pentagon ponders transition in time of war

Officials want to ensure the change to a new administration goes smoothly.
Boeing wins Air Force tanker contract appeal

The Air Force should reopen the bidding process, the Government Accountability Office said Wednesday.
USA
Talks to keep U.S. troops in Iraq provoke ire

Proposal to extend America's military role years into the future meets lawmaker resistance, from Washington to Baghdad.
Air Force shake-up may lead to deeper overhaul

Secretary Gates is likely to nominate a new civilian chief in days.
Amid aid delays, locals in Burma (Myanmar) rebuild

Cyclone victims are rebuilding homes and collecting rainwater as foreign aid workers slowly spread out.
After earthquake, China welcomes U.S. military

As Defense Secretary Robert Gates heads to Singapore, the Pentagon sees a turnaround in the Chinese security forces.
U.N. nuclear watchdog faults Iran's lack of cooperation

A critical IAEA report could spur a new round of sanctions. Iran maintains its enrichment program is peaceful.
Iran, U.S. leaning toward talks?

Recent events suggest both Tehran and Washington may be willing to engage in dialogue.
NATO extends Afghanistan tours

Britain and the Netherlands agree to longer tours, delaying a bigger US role in the mission.
Letters to the Editor

Readers write about aid discrimination in Burma, President Bush's Mideast trip, and Jimmy Carter's Hamas talks.
McCain charts own course to boost GI benefits

His plan is at odds with a bipartisan bill backed by Clinton and Obama.
Defense Secretary Gates calls for Mexican border security

Visiting Mexico, the US's top defense official says he wants funds to fight drug-trafficking violence and ward off potential threats from militants entering the US.
Iran takes goodwill tour to India

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stops in India Tuesday after visiting Pakistan and Sri Lanka on a trip aimed at inking energy deals and curbing the West's influence.
In push for drones, Gates labors to change Pentagon

The services aren't delivering enough unmanned planes to war zones, the Defense secretary charges.
U.S. to heighten Afghan role?

Pentagon weighs lead role in NATO's combat mission in the south to better fight Taliban.
General Petraeus to head U.S. forces in Middle East

The move brings greater focus to the conflict in Afghanistan. Lt. Gen. Odierno is set to succeed Petraeus in Iraq.
A new U.S. focus on nation-building

Critics say the Bush administration is relying too heavily on the military.
USA
U.S. military prepares to train Pakistani forces

US officials have requested $750 million to expand a program designed to assist foreign militaries engaged in counterterrorism.
U.S. hopes to counter Mahdi Army's clout in Baghdad

American forces in Iraq announced Monday ambitious public-works plans to win support in Sadr City.
U.S. military expands role in West Africa

The USS Fort McHenry is traveling the coast – training soldiers and providing relief.
Marine quick reaction force starts to settle into southern Afghanistan

The focus of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is largely security, but will include humanitarian work.