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.

March 25, 2009

'T-walls' come down in Samarra

FOB BRASSFIELD-MORA (March 26, 2009) — Scores of Samarra citizens joined provincial and community leaders March 23 as concrete barriers were removed during a ceremony reminiscent of the opening of the Berlin wall nearly 20 years ago. The concrete barriers, commonly known as T-walls, surround several government and military buildings throughout Samarra to provide a layer of protection against insurgent attacks. While T-walls have become a familiar site in Iraq, they are a sign of more dangerous times, and most citizens agree it’s time for them to go.

March 24, 2009

President: Terrorist threat 'not going away'

WASHINGTON, March 24, 2009 – The threat of terrorist attacks from al-Qaida and their affiliates “is not a threat that’s going away,” President Barack Obama said today at the White House. “We have to take it seriously.”

March 23, 2009

President: Afghan mission critical to U.S. security

WASHINGTON, March 23, 2009 — President Barack Obama called his decision to send an additional 17,000 troops to Afghanistan the toughest so far in his presidency, but said last night the mission there is critical to protecting the United States and its interests.

March 23, 2009

Iraq drawdown will reduce stress on forces

WASHINGTON, March 23, 2009 – The force drawdown in Iraq, even in light of increased troop strength in Afghanistan, will enable the military to build more dwell time into deployment cycles, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said Monday.

March 22, 2009

Incoming troops likely to see initial rise in violence in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON (March 20, 2009) – The number of attacks in Afghanistan is likely to rise with the influx of additional U.S. forces there, an International Security Assistance Force commander said Friday.

March 19, 2009

Six years into Operation Iraqi Freedom, future looking bright

WASHINGTON (March 19, 2009) – Prospects for the Iraqi people “get better every day,” with the Iraqis now solving their problems “politically, and not with guns,” Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said yesterday as Operation Iraqi Freedom marks its sixth anniversary.