April 6, 2009

'Reconciliation' offers new start for nonviolent fugitives

FORWARD OPERATING BASE BERNSTEIN, Iraq, April 6, 2009 – The Iraqi army, aided by U.S. soldiers, helped more than 30 people here in Salahuddin province, north of Baghdad, on March 30 to clear their names of criminal charges against them.

April 6, 2009

Troops kill 52, capture 17 in Afghanistan fighting

WASHINGTON, April 6, 2009 – Coalition and Afghan forces have killed at least 52 insurgents and captured 17 others in four days of fighting in Afghanistan, military officials reported.

April 6, 2009

President visits troops during surprise Baghdad visit

BAGHDAD (April 7, 2009) – In an unannounced visit Tuesday, President Barack Obama addressed about 1,500 American service members, government civilians and contractors assembled in the rotunda of Al Faw Palace in Baghdad, the headquarters of Multi-National Corps – Iraq.

April 5, 2009

Gates touts new strategy to Afghan people

WASHINGTON, April 3, 2009 – The United States does not want to remain in Afghanistan one day longer than it has to, but the mission will take time, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said during an interview with Afghan television Friday.

April 2, 2009

Troops train new Afghan police 'STT' teams

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, April 2, 2009 – Three U.S. military police officers are tasked with mentoring Afghan National Police in an area larger than the state of Delaware -- a situation that calls for some creativity.

April 1, 2009

Petraeus explains differences in Afghanistan, Pakistan strategies

WASHINGTON (April 1, 2009) – Although the U.S. government recognizes the differences between Afghanistan and Pakistan, it makes sense from a strategy standpoint to consider the two countries as one theater, the commander of U.S. Central Command told the Senate Armed Services Committee today.

March 31, 2009

Pentagon report cites gains in Iraq, despite rifts

WASHINGTON (March 31, 2009) – The security and political situation in Iraq continues to improve, but ethno-sectarian agendas and other obstacles remain, according to Defense Department findings.

March 30, 2009

CENTCOM commander, ambassador discuss new strategy in Afghanistan, Pakistan

WASHINGTON, March 30, 2009 – The new U.S. strategy in Afghanistan will include unprecedented integration of military and civilian activities, two key leaders in the effort said Sunday.

March 29, 2009

U.S. military to 'refocus' on al-Qaida

WASHINGTON (March 29, 2009) – President Barack Obama said today his new strategy for what he calls “America’s war” is intended to zero in on the heart of the matter at hand in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

March 26, 2009

President outlines new strategy in Afghanistan, Pakistan

Excerpts from President Barack Obama's speech outlining a new U.S. strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan.