Topic: U.S. Central Command

Top galleries, list articles, quizzes

In Pictures: Speakers in support of the MEK
Who will carry out Obama's Afghanistan exit plan? Three new guys.

It will be the duty of three men, all new in their roles, to carry out Obama's plan to wind down the war in Afghanistan. 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.
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. But what are steps the US military could take to aid rebels, and how feasible are they?
Gallery: Controversial US Generals

All Content

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

It will be the duty of three men, all new in their roles, to carry out Obama's plan to wind down the war in Afghanistan. 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.
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.
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.
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. But what are steps the US military could take to aid rebels, and how feasible are they?
Somali pirates: Do shootings of four Americans point to armed escalation?

In the past, pirates have been very reluctant to harm captives, but on Tuesday, four Americans taken hostage by Somali pirates were killed.
Why did Somali pirates kill four American yachters?

As US forces negotiated the release of four Americans captured while yachting in the Arabian Sea, Somali pirates shot and killed them today. The incident raises questions about the new military approach to piracy.
North Korea and Iran: How the two states test US diplomacy

North Korea is seen as an unpredictable 'spoiled child.' Iran is seen as a rational but aggressive nation. Each have nuclear programs, but pose unique problems for US security.
How WikiLeaks trove will affect US-Arab cooperation on Iran, Yemen

The WikiLeaks release of diplomatic cables could put Arab leaders in a tight spot – and make America's diplomatic dance a bit more awkward in the region.
Britain says it's still US 'wingman' despite defense budget cuts

Britain's sharp defense budget cuts target 8 percent of the military's $59 billion budget. Prime Minister David Cameron called President Obama to reassure him that the UK would remain a 'first rate' military power.
How American Muslims are reacting to Koran burning threat

For American Muslims – already in the eye of a political storm over the proposed mosque near ground zero in New York – a Florida pastor's Koran burning threat is seen as a teachable moment crucial to how the US public views Muslims and Islam.
Joe Biden lands in Iraq to underscore 'growing urgency' for new government

Vice President Joe Biden arrived in Baghdad on Monday to mark the end of America's combat mission and push Iraqi leaders to form a new government.
General Odierno: Al Qaeda in Iraq faces serious financial crunch

General Odierno, the top US commander in Iraq, said in a Monitor interview that US and Iraqi forces have broken large Al Qaeda in Iraq rings that extorted millions of dollars a year from companies.
General Petraeus: US troops to remain in Afghanistan for years

General Petraeus told senators at his confirmation hearing that he supports President Obama's Afghanistan strategy, including its exit plan. But he also said US forces would remain in the country for the foreseeable future.
General Petraeus and General McChrystal: same policy, different face?

While the strategy remains the same, will the deft touch of General Petraeus reorient key relationships among leaders in Afghanistan?
In replacing McChrystal with Gen. David Petraeus, Obama reasserts authority

Facing a challenge to his leadership and to civilian control of the military, President Obama replaced Gen. Stanley McChrystal with Gen. David Petraeus as top commander in Afghanistan.
Gallery: Controversial US Generals
McChrystal canned; Obama replaces McChrystal with Petraeus

McChrystal will be replaced with Gen. David Petraeus.