Topic: U.S. Central Command

In Afghanistan, Hagel faces early test: how many troops to leave behind

With his arduous confirmation finally over, Secretary Hagel arrived in Afghanistan to confront considerable challenges, including the pace of withdrawal and the size of the residual US force.

Schwarzkopf memorial: Stormin' Norman honored at West Point

General Norman Schwarzkopf's memorial was held today at West Point, the school where he attended, taught, and was married.

Military invests in smart-phone reconnaissance

AOptix signs a $3 million contract with the US Department of Defense to help develop smart phones with Smart Mobile Identity technology, which scans fingerprints and other physical features for identity verification. Biometrics developers say they aren't far from making the technology commercially available.

Backchannels Afghan corruption, opium, and the strange case of Kam Air

Kam Air, an airline owned by a politically-connected Afghan businessman, was blacklisted by the US military in Afghanistan for opium smuggling. Then the Afghan government complained.

General Norman Schwarzkopf, Desert Storm commander, dies at age 78

General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, who had an illustrious military career which included many high-profile commands, died Thursday of complications from pneumonia.

Chuck Hagel: why his candidacy for Defense post is losing altitude

Critics of Chuck Hagel's potential candidacy have focused on remarks he made years ago about Israel, Iran, and Hamas. Some even called him anti-Semitic, a charge branded as outrageous, even by other critics.

Petraeus scandal: Jill Kelley goes on the attack

In an attempt to recover her reputation following her involvement in the Petraeus scandal, Jill Kelley (through her attorneys and publicist) released new information on Tuesday. Among the items released were a cease-and-desist letter to a New York businessman, a complaint to the Florida bar about a Tampa attorney and a letter to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Petraeus scandal: Jill Kelley's South Korean link

The Tampa socialite caught up in the Petraeus scandal received US State Department approval for her appointment as honorary Korean consul in Florida.

Petraeus scandal: 'Wouldn't call it welcome,' says White House (+video)

According to a nearly complete investigation, Marine Gen. John Allen played a role in the scandal which prompted CIA Director David Petraeus' resignation. General Allen's involvement has delayed a planned White House decision to transfer him to Europe. 

Gen. John Allen: How top US commander got caught up in Petraeus scandal (+video)

Gen. John Allen, the top US commander in Afghanistan, is now the subject of an FBI investigation for alleged "inappropriate communications" with Jill Kelley, a married socialite in Florida. Gen. John Allen denies any wrongdoing.

Another 'No Easy Day' revelation: dramatic SEAL search for POW

The Pentagon and US government have been tight-lipped about Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, the only POW in the Afghanistan war. 'No Easy Day' sheds light on SEAL efforts to rescue him.

US general talks with Afghan officials about attacks on NATO personnel

Attacks from inside the Afghan security forces have been climbing. Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, discussed the rise as well as the progress with the military campaign with US commanders in the field.

US, 18 other nations, wrap up Eager Lion military exercise in Jordan

The sprawling Eager Lion military exercise was tied by some news outlets to the war in Syria. Though that was incorrect, the US is looking to deepen its military engagement with the region.

Tiny Qatar's outsized role

This week, Iraq takes over the Arab League presidency from Qatar, which has ruffled feathers with its surge in leadership. A Russian official famously told Qatar, 'Go back to your size.'

What does Pakistan want from US? An apology, more money, no drones

Pakistan's lawmakers passed a resolution trying to reframe the country's relationship with the US. Whether it gets implemented is another matter.

Syria crisis causes Iran-led 'axis of resistance' to fray

The Syria crisis is complicated by the regional cold war that has simmered for years between resistance powers like Iran, Syria, and Hezbollah, and Western allies in the region such as Saudi Arabia.

Terrorism & Security US issues direct warning to Iran: close the Strait of Hormuz, risk military action

The US reportedly used a secret channel to convey to Iran more forcefully that closing the Strait of Hormuz would provoke a military response.

How video of Marines urinating on Taliban could put US forces in danger

A video that appears to show Marines urinating on Taliban soldiers comes just as the US is trying to reach out to the Taliban. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta called the actions 'utterly deplorable.'

Iranian group's big-money push to get off US terrorist list

SPECIAL INVESTIGATION: A roster of influential former US officials is speaking at rallies in support of removing the MEK, an Iranian opposition group with a violent anti-American history, from the US terrorist list. A decision is expected within weeks.
08/08/2011 07:28 pm

In Pictures Speakers in support of the MEK

US General Petraeus hands over command in Afghanistan amid wave of attacks

US General David Petraeus, the new director of the CIA, officially handed over command of US- and NATO-led troops in Afghanistan at a time of increasing instability.
07/18/2011 10:06 am

Who will carry out Obama's Afghanistan exit plan? Three new guys.

After President Obama outlines his strategy Wednesday for winding down the 10-year war in Afghanistan – including the rate of US troop withdrawals – it will be the duty of three men, all new in their roles, to get it done. It will be a tough job, and there is likely to be plenty of second-guessing not only about the strategy itself, but also their handling of it, from Congress, pundits, and ex-military types. Here are some clues into what priorities these three defense leaders might set and a look at the particular skills each brings to the task of managing America’s longest war.
06/22/2011 07:30 pm

What US cybersecurity needs: a few more good guys

In high-tech America, cybersecurity specialists trained for high-stakes fights with hackers are in short supply.
05/09/2011 05:34 pm

Obama's new national security team faces major challenges

President Obama's new national security team, headed by Leon Panetta and General David Petraeus, has a wealth of experience. But it faces major challenges, especially in Afghanistan.
04/28/2011 09:02 pm

Can the US military help Libyan rebels oust Muammar Qaddafi? Four options.

As violence in Libya increases, US officials have promised that the administration is exploring “all possible options for action” against Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi. Yet Pentagon officials emphasize that they are also weighing the adverse risks of US military action aiding rebels, such as the possibility that Mr. Qaddafi could galvanize support in the name of anti-imperialism. What are steps the US military could take to aid rebels, and how feasible are they?
03/01/2011 07:14 pm