Topic: The Pentagon

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4 ways Chuck Hagel can improve cyber security

Newly sworn-in Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel must guide the Department of Defense through a few key challenges to better secure the nation’s cyber networks. His focus at the Pentagon should be on these four key areas.
If not 'sequester,' then what? Five ideas from left and right.

Few in Washington believe that "the sequester,” $85 billion in automatic spending cuts set to hit the federal budget as of March 1, is a good idea. But what's the alternative? Here are five proposals, from the right, the center, and the left, to replace the sequester. Which do you like?
Sequester 101: What happens if $85 billion in cuts hit on March 1

The sequester is a complex concept with a tortuous history. Here are the basics on the automatic spending reductions set to kick in March 1.
5 reasons why Africa is not ready to meet its own security needs – yet

Africa’s experiment in a regional approach to security is serious and laudable, but it will take time to build credible capacity. Here are five reasons why Africa is not ready to meet its own security needs – yet.
Pentagon's budget nightmare: How each branch would handle sequester cuts

With the threat of a mandatory, across-the-board series of cuts known as sequestration looming over the Pentagon, each of the services has begun its worst-case-scenario planning. Here is where the cuts stand now:

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Baghdad bombings: A Sunni backlash?

At least 86 people were killed in the worst bombing since February 2008, presenting a serious challenge to the Shiite-led government.
Why Lockerbie bomber is likely to be released

The Libyan intelligence agent convicted in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am flight 103 drew closer to release from a British jail on Tuesday when a procedural hurdle was removed.
Obama vows to bring his reform agenda to the Pentagon, VA

In a speech to veterans Monday, he says he intends to rein in Pentagon spending, as well as improve medical care for veterans.
How will NATO protect Afghan voters against rising violence?

Attacks are up 50 percent during the past 10 days. Coalition forces have set up a 'tiered' security plan at polling places.
Bomb in Kabul targets NATO headquarters, near US Embassy

The blast killed seven Afghan civilians and wounded 91 more. The aim appears to be to sow uncertainty about showing up to vote on Aug. 20.
Why McChrystal may not get more troops for Afghanistan

The pace of the drawdown in Iraq and an effort to expand soldiers' time at home could limit troop availability in the short-term.
Guantánamo detainees could save Michigan 340 prison jobs

Federal officials scouting for alternative prisons for detainees toured a maximum security prison in Standish, Mich., that may close due to budget cuts.
Hillary Clinton, in Liberia, targets good government

The country, led by Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, has made significant strides since its brutal civil war ended in 2003.
Refugees' plea to US forces in Iraq: protect us

Human rights lawyers say the US should intervene to safeguard the Iranians at Camp Ashraf, which was raided by Iraqi security forces July 28.
Can Afghanistan be saved? We'll know in a year, Jones says.

The national security adviser said on Sunday that new strategies need time to work. But the US will not stay 10 years.
How the 18-year mystery of a downed US pilot was solved

Iraqi Bedouins had buried the remains of the US naval aviator out of respect. They led Marines to the spot.
Chávez rages at US plan to boost antidrug ops in Colombia

Colombian President Alvaro Uribe has agreed to host the Pentagon's narcotics-interdiction flight operations, which were recently kicked out of Ecuador.
What are two Russian subs doing off the US coast?

The Pentagon doesn't know. But it's the first such incident in nearly 10 years, suggesting that the Russian military is flexing its muscle.
Marines retreat from Facebook, will Pentagon follow?

Marines banned social networking sites from their computers Tuesday due to security concerns, and the Pentagon announced a policy review. But Pentagon's top officer will still tweet.
For US Marines, a ban on Twitter and Facebook
Remains of first US Gulf War casualty solve 18 year mystery

The Pentagon once took the unprecedented step of switching Capt. 'Scott' Speicher's status from 'killed in action' to 'missing-captured,' thinking he was alive.
Chinese Army opens (small) window on operations

The PLA gave foreign reporters a rare tour of a base outside Beijing this week and announced a bilingual website slated to debut Aug.1, the Army's 82nd birthday.
Obama will close Gitmo on time, officials say

The administration also tells Congress Tuesday that it will decide the status of all 229 detainees by Oct. 1.
Medal of Honor to be awarded, only the sixth since 9/11

Sgt. 1st Class Jared Monti was killed in a firefight in Afghanistan. He is the second service member to receive the military's highest honor for action in Afghanistan. But the award was given 246 times in Vietnam.
Taliban suicide bombers attack two Afghan cities

The attacks are part of a spike in violence as US troops pour into the country ahead of elections next month.
Senate cuts F-22 funding: a win for Obama and Gates

Proponents of the plane had argued for preserving jobs in the name of national security.
Will Guantánamo close on time?

Halfway to President Obama’s deadline, basic aspects of the closure are undecided.
War strains push Gates to expand Army

The 22,000 additional soldiers are expected to ease the transition from the war in Iraq to the one in Afghanistan.
Inside the news: The F-22 Raptor warplane
The Monitor's View: 'Do no harm' in healthcare costs

Obama's healthcare legislation must lead to reform of Medicare.