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.

All Content

Obama's mixed signals on terror policy

The White House is seeking to protect at least some of its Bush-era privileges.
Mexico sends troops to border city in bid to control drug violence

The buildup in Ciudad Juárez, an entry point for drug smuggling on the US border, is meant to stop vicious fighting between drug cartels.
A drawdown of contractors in Iraq

US commanders there may find it hard to quickly reduce the use of almost 150,000 contractors.
Baghdad ink
Many in Afghanistan oppose Obama's troop buildup plans

Frustration and fear is sparking opposition to plans that would nearly double the size of US forces there.
US officials weigh Iran's nuclear weapons capability

Defense Secretary Gates said Tehran was not close to having a bomb. A new report in which senior advisers to Obama participated urges further sanctions.
Iran pushes Iraq to close MKO camp

Camp Ashraf, which came under Iraqi control Jan. 1, is home to militants who Iran and Iraq say should be expelled. The MKO is on a US list of terrorist groups.
USA
President Obama lays out his plans for Iraq withdrawal

At Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, he announced that all combat troops would depart by Aug. 31, 2010. Following are the president's prepared remarks.
Troop withdrawal: Obama to end Iraq war by August 2010

Speaking from North Carolina’s Camp Lejeune, where thousands of Marines are preparing to deploy to Afghanistan, the president's message was clear: We have a new priority.
Colombia's worry: looser US ties

Officials visiting this week press for continued funding of an antidrug strategy and passage of a free-trade agreement.
Freed, British detainee details abuses

Binyam Mohamed returned to London Monday a free man after spending the past seven years in a tangle of military prison camps, where he claims he was tortured.
Philippine military closes in on hostage-takers

A spate of kidnappings by Abu Sayyaf raises concerns that the Islamist militant group's strength is growing.
In his own words: a statement from Gitmo detainee Binyam Mohamed
Recession hits US military families
World
Chinese Muslims stay stranded at Guantánamo

Federal appeals court reverses an order that the 17 men be released into the US.
Letters to the Editor

Readers write about what the US should – and shouldn't – do in Afghanistan.
Petraeus knocks on Uzbekistan's door as Kyrgyz base gets the boot
US troop buildup in Afghanistan could be a defining moment

Obama's order to send 17,000 more troops comes before US has set a clear strategy.
Opinion: A Russian answer to Iran's threat

Moscow can bring Tehran to heel, if the US price is right. Is Obama ready to give up missile defense to make that happen?
From Iran's hard-liners, tough talk – but pragmatism as well

Positions that suggest little flexibility may simply be a strong opening bid by those who have the ear of Iran's leaders.
Turkey could furnish a safe way home as US departs Iraq

The Habur Gate – a dusty two-lane checkpoint – may be one of the best routes out.
Security up at porous Afghan border

The US, Pakistan coordinate troops to prevent militants from fleeing to either side.
Dutch still wincing at Bush-era 'Invasion of The Hague Act'

Though largely symbolic, the law could be having lasting implications.