Feb. 19, 2009

Afghanistan commander welcomes additional troops

WASHINGTON (Feb. 19, 2009) – The commander of NATO and U.S. forces in Afghanistan said Wednesday that while he’s pleased with President Barack Obama’s authorization to send 17,000 more troops to Afghanistan, tough times are ahead. Army Gen. David D. McKiernan, commander of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces - Afghanistan

Feb. 13, 2009

Baghdad fish market reopens, reviving ancient industry

Today, the Saydiyah Fish Market stands as a classic example of where Iraqi fishermen sell their wares to their neighbors from across Iraq. Senior Multi-National Division - Baghdad leaders from the 4th Infantry Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony Feb. 9 with their Iraqi security forces partners to mark the re-opening of the market, which fell to disrepair during the war.

Feb. 10, 2009

Mullen: Afghanistan surge unlikely to top 30,000

FORT DRUM, N.Y. – The top U.S. military officer said he doesn't expect the United States to deploy more than about 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan.

Feb. 3, 2009

CENTCOM welcomes new enlisted leader

MAC DILL AFB, Fla. (Jan. 30, 2009) – Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander, U.S. Central Command, passed on the saber to Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin L. Hill in an assumption of responsibility ceremony Friday.

Feb. 1, 2009

Leaders congratulate Iraqi people after safe elections

WASHINGTON (Feb. 1, 2009 – Senior military officials congratulated the Iraqi people for holding provincial elections yesterday, praising the Iraqi and U.S. forces that helped make the elections safe.

Jan. 30, 2009

Iraqis prepared to oversee Jan. 31 elections

WASHINGTON - U.S. forces, having helped their Iraqi counterparts for more than a month prepare for the country's Jan. 31 provincial elections, are now stepping back, confident their planning and practice has paid off.

Jan. 30, 2009

Afghanistan troop buildup a 'delicate endeavor'

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2009 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is expected to present the Pentagon’s proposal for a U.S. troop increase in Afghanistan to President Barack Obama in the near future, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said Thursday.

Jan. 26, 2009

Biden: U.S. to engage more heavily in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON – As U.S. forces become more engaged in Afghanistan, there may well be a rise in American casualties, Vice President Joe Biden said.

Jan. 25, 2009

Gates: Military to focus on short-term goals in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2009 – As part of the Obama administration’s assessment of the strategy being employed in Afghanistan, the U.S. military will focus its efforts on achieving shorter-term goals there, the Defense Department’s top official said here yesterday.

Jan. 22, 2009

President requests 'responsible' Iraq drawdown

WASHINGTON, Jan. 22, 2009 – President Barack Obama directed key defense and military officials he met with yesterday to come up with plans for “a responsible military drawdown in Iraq.”