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Gore Vidal: 10 quotes from the legendary author

Here are 10 memorable from the inimitable Gore Vidal.
Gen. George Patton: Six not-so-gentle father-to-son tips

The new book, 'Growing Up Patton: Reflections on Heroes, History, and Family Wisdom,' shares letters written by Gen. George Patton to his his son. Here are six pieces of advice from these letters.
Who will carry out Obama's Afghanistan exit plan? Three new guys.
In Pictures: Graduation 2011
Abbottabad, Pakistan: 5 things to know about where bin Laden died

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Opinion: US must kill and capture terrorist leaders as soon as possible. It works.

Killing or capturing leaders of terrorist groups increases the chances these groups will collapse. In spite of what some politicians see as short-term political and diplomatic costs, my findings suggest targeted killings are an effective counterterrorism strategy in the long run.
Cover Story Women in combat: US military on verge of making it official

Women in combat: De facto warriors in Afghanistan and Iraq, women are now closer than ever to the "profession of combat arms." The US military is opening jobs to them closer to the battlefield, and they are pushing to abolish job limits through legal battles.
Pentagon celebrates gay pride month, but can it really make gays equal?

The repeal of 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell' has exposed some inequalities – between spousal benefits for heterosexual troops and those for homosexual troops who are also in legal partnerships.
In Gear Looking for a high MPG car this summer? Get in line

Toyota, Volkswagon among companies who say demand for fuel-efficient cars may outstrip supply this summer. According to some industry insiders, the demand for so-called "green" cars is already so high that four automakers are dramatically increasing production.
Why Bin Laden disapproved of Al Qaeda in Yemen, Iraq, and Somalia

Osama bin Laden held some of the Al Qaeda franchises in disdain, according to the 17 letters released. Bin Laden also ordered an attack in 2010 on Air Force One, Obama's plane.
Bin Laden letters paint picture of al-Qaeda at its worst

The seventeen documents released by the Obama administration are calculated to highlight the President's foreign-policy successes.
Decoder Wire Bin Laden documents diss Joe Biden. Did he get 'The Onion' in Abbottabad? (+video)

According to declassified Osama bin Laden documents found at his Pakistan compound, Al Qaeda's late leader called Joe Biden 'totally unprepared' for the presidency, and left him off a hit list.
Global News Blog Renaming Al Qaeda to Tanthim al-Jihadi litahrir al-aksa wa-tawhid al-Umma?

According to newly released documents, Osama bin Laden mulled renaming Al Qaeda amid worries that the terrorist group had become a tarnished brand.
Brigade that posed with dead Afghan bombers showed signs of trouble

Newly published photos show US soldiers posing with dead Afghan insurgents, trophy-like. In 2009, before that brigade had left for Afghanistan, its commander was uneasy.
Gen. George Patton: Six not-so-gentle father-to-son tips

The new book, 'Growing Up Patton: Reflections on Heroes, History, and Family Wisdom,' shares letters written by Gen. George Patton to his his son. Here are six pieces of advice from these letters.
California colleges consider asking applicants: Are you gay?

The University of California system is considering asking about applicants' sexual orientation. Gay-rights groups applaud the move, but others are worried about student privacy.
Osama bin Laden widows: Will they reveal more about life in Pakistan?

Osama bin Laden widows: During her interrogation, the Yemeni widow raised questions about how bin Laden was able to remain undetected in Pakistan. A Pakistan court ruled Monday that Bin Laden's three widows and their children will be deported to their home countries.
Backchannels A faulty argument for staying on in Afghanistan

Marc Thiessen of the Washington Post's op-ed page is promising doom when US troops pull out of Afghanistan. There is no reason to believe he's close to correct.
Backchannels Joe Scarborough implies General Dempsey unfit to lead joint chiefs

The morning talk-show host says Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey's comments that Iran is a rational actor should be a firing offense.
Backchannels Mistaken identity? Top Al Qaeda leader Saif al-Adel probably not arrested in Cairo.

So far, reports of the arrest of Al Qaeda's Saif al-Adel, once the group's top military planners, in Cairo don't appear to be correct.
Eisenhower in War and Peace

Jean Edward's Smith's new biography obliterates earlier arguments that Eisenhower’s was a dull, torpid presidency.
Sexual assault reports rise at military academies. How is Pentagon responding?

The Pentagon cites policy changes following the release of a study that found a 65 percent increase in reports of sexual assault at military academies between 2010 and 2011.
US military report shares blame on NATO bombing of Pakistani soldiers (VIDEO)

Relations between US and Pakistan have soured so much that the report on the NATO bombing is likely to have little effect. Instead, Pakistanis fret about rumors of a possible military coup.
How 9/11 has shaped a generation of Americans

The terrorist attacks have become this generation's Pearl Harbor – an epic event that has changed young peoples' view of the world and America's place in it.
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.
Michelle Obama: A first lady undercover and carving her own path

Michelle Obama: A portrait of a first lady who's transforming the job, shopping at Petco herself, and reaching out to Washington DC's black community.
In Pictures: Graduation 2011
Gates: No evidence 'yet' about who in Pakistan knew bin Laden was there

'Somebody' in Pakistan knew Osama bin Laden's whereabouts, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Wednesday. But he seemed to absolve 'senior leadership' and warned Congress against cutting US aid.
Bin Laden wives found in compound, one used as human shield

Bin Laden wives: During the night attack on Osama bin Laden, one of his wives was reportedly used as a human shield to protect bin Laden from US commandos' fire.
On jihadi websites, disbelief and vows of revenge over bin Laden's death

Supporters of Osama bin Laden began posting on jihadi websites – Al Qaeda's main public relations arm on the Internet – within minutes of the announcement bin Laden had been killed.