May 7, 2009

Gates: Taliban 'overreached' in Pakistan offensive

WASHINGTON (May 7, 2009) – The Taliban “overreached” in their offensive in Pakistan’s Buner district, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said Thursday in Kabul.

May 7, 2009

Gates, Marines share lively Q&A session in Afghanistan

CAMP LEATHERNECK (Afghanistan, May 7, 2009) – The question-and-answer session Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates opened here today with newly deployed Marines started with a pregnant pause, but quickly moved into a lively give-and-take about everything from deployment lengths to current and possible future military operations.

May 6, 2009

President encouraged by Afghan, Pakistani cooperation

WASHINGTON (May 6, 2009) – President Barack Obama said today he is encouraged by the spirit of cooperation between the leaders of Pakistan and Afghanistan as the two nations confront extremists.

May 5, 2009

Gates praises Egypt, seeks Saudi support in Pakistan

CAIRO (May 5, 2009) – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates praised Egypt today as a key U.S. ally and said progress on a wide range of security issues in the region will require Egypt’s “full participation and leadership.”

May 4, 2009

Webster takes reins at U.S. Army Central

Lt. Gen. William G. Webster took command of U.S. Army Central Monday. Though he is new to USARCENT, this will not be his first assignment at the command.

May 2, 2009

Gates reaffirms ties with Egypt, Saudi Arabia

EN ROUTE TO CAIRO (May 4, 2009) – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is en route to Egypt and Saudi Arabia for sessions aimed at reaffirming ties with the important regional powers that both have strong military-to-military relationships with the United States.

April 30, 2009

Atlantic Council honors Petraeus

WASHINGTON (April 30, 2009) – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Army Gen. David H. Petraeus attended a ceremony here last night honoring several giants of military, government, industry and the arts. Gates introduced former President George H.W. Bush, an honoree at the Atlantic Council's annual gala, while Petraeus, commander of U.S. Central Command, received the council’s Distinguished Military Leadership Award.

April 29, 2009

Top Marine: Afghan gains depend on border control

WASHINGTON, April 29, 2009 – Any gains in Afghanistan will be tied to the coalition’s ability to tighten control of the Pakistan border, the top Marine officer said Wednesday.

April 29, 2009

Iraq assumes control of offshore oil terminal

ABOARD KHAWR AL AMAYA OIL TERMINAL, Iraq - The Iraqi Navy assumed control of the Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminal (KAAOT) during a ceremony held today aboard the terminal in the North Arabian Gulf.

April 28, 2009

Petraeus applies Iraq lessons to Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, April 28, 2009 – Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, the author of the military’s counterinsurgency manual, yesterday explained the principles that led to success in Iraq and how they apply to the fight in Afghanistan.