Topic: U.S. Armed Forces

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China's growing military might: top 4 concerns for the Pentagon

In a report issued this week, the Department of Defense for the first time directly accused China’s military of using cyberattacks to spy on US networks. In this arena and others, “China’s military buildup shows no signs of slowing,” said David Helvey, deputy assistant secretary of Defense for East Asia, who presented the report.Here are Pentagon officials’ top four concerns as they carefully monitor the growth of China’s military.
Briefing
Chemical weapons 101: Six facts about sarin and Syria’s stockpile

President Obama said Assad's use of chemical weapons would be a 'red line' for US. Did he use sarin or any other chemical weapon against his own people?
CSMonitor editors share their favorite people to follow on Twitter

Twitter turned 7 this week. In celebration of the social network's birthday, The Christian Science Monitor compiled a list of favorite Twitter accounts. Each is informative and useful in its own way. Find out what each section recommends for you.
Top 3 threats to the United States: the good and bad news

The annual Worldwide Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Community is out this week, a widely-anticipated report compiled by the nation’s intelligence agencies. Here is the good and bad news about the top three threats facing the United States, according to an unclassified version of the report.
Bestselling books the week of 3/10/13, according to IndieBound*

See what's selling in bookstores across America.

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Soldier rampage hints at stress of repeated deployments

Sgt. John Russell was charged with murder Tuesday. He was finishing his third tour in Iraq.
The Monitor's View: US drops a ball in Iraq

Washington must reconnect with Iraqi religious leaders.
US soldier charged with murders at Iraq combat stress clinic

Commanding officers had determined that the sergeant was a potential danger to himself or others.
Italy to stem a human tide of immigrants

The Italian Navy this week will begin turning back Africans who have transformed Lampedusa, Italy, into the site of a humanitarian crisis.
US, Pakistan build military ties, one officer at a time

Revived exchange program points up Pakistan's importance to US aims in Afghanistan.
Pakistan's sharia cease-fire: I knew it wouldn't work, Zardari says

Political and military leaders in the region try to look to the positive as Taliban fighters entrench in Pakistan's Swat Valley.
Pentagon admits US airstrike may have killed Afghan civilians

But the military said that the estimated death toll of the bombing this week – 100 people – was "grossly exaggerated."
General Odierno: US can't confirm that Iraqis are holding Al Qaeda-affiliated leader.

Iraqi security forces say they arrested Abu Omar al-Baghdadi in April. US officials say they are uncertain whether the name refers to a specific person or is simply a commonly used pseudonym within the insurgency.
One aim of US-Afghan-Pakistani summit: a parade for aid

Congress holds the key to billions in new assistance, but some lawmakers are skeptical it would diminish the terrorist threat.
US, Karzai seek to mend fraying relationship at summit

Washington has been increasingly critical of the Afghan president. But with Karzai likely to win reelection this year, both sides will want to dial back the recriminations.
With piracy odds in their favor, ships shun armed guards

The small number of successful pirate attacks, an increase in military patrols, and legal concerns have kept many firms from hiring security.
Basra residents safer, but looking for work

Iraqi governor talks about how to revive southern Iraqi city.
Palin to be honored by NRA with special M4-like assault rifle
Fighting a high-tech war with a low-tech mule

US Marines and soldiers are training to fight in Afghanistan, where mules and donkeys can haul supplies and weapons to places where Humvees and helicopters can't easily go.
Opinion: Are US missile strikes in Pakistan a dud policy?

Predator drones have negative consequences that should be openly debated.
Australia cites China, India, as reasons for a major military buildup

Prime Minister Rudd proposes $72 billion in new spending. US military can't protect it, say analysts.
My Iraq: a reporter's 20-year retrospective

The longest-serving Western correspondent in Baghdad tracks the lives of two Iraqi friends – from dinners under the moon and palms to the heartbreak of war.
Review: 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine'

The newest installment in the X-Men series has Hugh Jackman fighting off mutants on every front.
Swedish court secures ex-Guantánamo Uighur's asylum quest

Adil Hakimjan, the first freed Guantánamo prisoner to be granted asylum in Europe, says he is 'very happy.' President Obama called Friday for seven of the 17 remaining Uighurs at the prison to be released.
Opinion: What Afghanistan can learn from the Taliban

They clearly went too far to end corruption, but some tactics worked.
Opinion: The US should cut military spending in half

Defense Secretary Gates's military budget cuts are too conservative.
Freed from Guantánamo, a Uighur clings to asylum dreams in Sweden

China wants Adil Hakimjan, who was granted political asylum, back. Sweden is now considering reversing his asylum.
Could Iraq violence affect US withdrawal plan?

The recent spate of attacks have come as US troops are preparing to pull out of urban areas.
Opinion: A rescue plan for Pakistan

Without bold, urgent action, the country – and its nuclear weapons – could fall to the Taliban.
Why textbooks we paid for never reached Afghan schools